Ian Wright urges Arsenal to sign Ivan Toney in January
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged Mikel Arteta to sign Ivan Toney in January as he’d be the ‘final piece of the jigsaw’ for the Gunners. The Gunners went joint-top of the Premier League on Sunday with a 1-0 win against rivals Manchester City.
The winner came through a deflected Gabriel Martinelli strike, and the Gunners failed to create a clear-cut chance during a cagey clash against City. Despite their strong start to the campaign, Arsenal have lacked firepower in front of goal and have again relied on goals from wide areas in Bukayo Saka.
Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus have five goals between them, but neither player has managed to solidify their position as first choice central striker. Jesus was guilty of squandering a golden chance in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham, which would have put Arsenal 2-0 up.
Why Ivan Toney?
And Wright feels that Toney – who is currently serving an eight-month ban at Brentford – would be the perfect acquisition in January. ‘You know the thing with the way we play and how we spread goals about last season – yes it took us to a certain place but I don’t think the Toney links will go away,’ Wright told the Stick to Football podcast.
‘It’s blatantly obvious for everyone to see that with that focal point and that player that scores that it takes you somewhere else. You can’t question the endeavour of both of these players [Jesus and Nketiah] but in the moments that you look back at the Tottenham game with the Jesus chance. A player of his level, that calibre, to get into that position 1-0 up against Tottenham in the North London derby, those chances have to be buried.
‘I believe that Arsenal in what we’re trying to do now – the margins are so small now – you cannot afford to miss those chances and not win those games. What I’m seeing with Eddie is that he’s working his socks off and there’s not really chances being made for him.
‘The Toney links don’t go away because you can see that’s probably the last bit in the jigsaw. It’s obvious for everyone to see that this is the last piece. He will do it if it can be done.’
What Does This Mean For Arsenal?
The signing of Ivan Toney could be a game changer for Arsenal, as they look to challenge for the Premier League title. Toney has been in sensational form for Brentford this season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions. He has also been linked with a move to Manchester United and Chelsea, but it looks like Arsenal are leading the race for his signature.
Toney is a proven goalscorer at Championship level and could be the missing piece of the puzzle for Arsenal. He has the potential to be a top-class striker in the Premier League and could be the difference between Arsenal winning or losing games. His arrival would also take some of the pressure off Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, who have both struggled to find their best form this season.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will make a move for Ivan Toney in January, but it is clear that he would be an excellent addition to their squad. He has all the attributes needed to become a top-class Premier League striker and could be the difference between Arsenal challenging for the title or not. If Arsenal are serious about challenging for silverware this season, then signing Toney could be a shrewd move.