Kai Havertz: Ray Parlour Would Prefer Arsenal to Sign Ivan Toney
Ray Parlour, the former Arsenal midfielder, has expressed his doubts about the Gunners’ potential move for Kai Havertz, suggesting that Brentford’s Ivan Toney would be a better fit.
Havertz to Arsenal?
Havertz has been linked with a shock move to Arsenal this summer, with Chelsea reportedly willing to let him go after an underwhelming three seasons at Stamford Bridge. The 24-year-old arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for an initial £62m, which could reach £71m, but has not really lived up to that price tag.
The Germany international has scored 32 goals in 139 appearances across all competitions, with just 19 of those goals coming in the Premier League over three campaigns. Arsenal see something in him, though, and negotiations over a deal with Chelsea are underway, with the Blues wanting around £70m for Havertz but the Gunners hoping to pay much less.
Parlour’s Opinion
Parlour is not thrilled about the possible move, saying he would like to have seen Arsenal sign a more proven goal-scorer, with Toney being his first choice, despite his betting ban keeping him out until January.
‘You need an out and out goal-scorer, if you’re Arsenal,’ Parlour told talkSPORT. ‘They’ve got so much good back-up play behind the striker, but they need someone to put the ball in the net. For me, I don’t think that’s the right signing but obviously Edu and Mikel Arteta will be talking behind the scenes and thinking he can play here or there. There might be a plan for him.
‘Any player coming into any club, you’ve got to give them a chance. But for me, it’s a shame, I’d have gone for Ivan Toney but he’s obviously got that ban and whether they want to take a chance with that…but he would have been the obvious choice for me.’
Conclusion
Hazard is reportedly keen on the move across London but the clubs must agree a price, with Arsenal unwilling to stretch to £70m or more for the forward. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will take a chance on Havertz or look elsewhere for their goal-scoring needs this summer.