Arsenal must beat Chelsea to Ivan Toney signing in January
Arsenal must beat Chelsea to the signing of Brentford striker Ivan Toney when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.
The Gunners spent more than £200 million on signings this summer, but there is still room for improvement, particularly up front.
Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have shared the centre-forward duties this campaign, but neither have been consistent goalscorers so far.
Hence, there are no surprises that Arsenal have an interest in signing Toney next year, but they will face competition from Chelsea, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Both clubs are well informed about the striker’s situation, and Romano has admitted that the striker could either leave in January or during the summer.
Brentford currently value him between £50-60 million. In our view, the Gunners must lure the 27-year-old ahead of their London rivals in the next window.
Toney would provide a different dimension to Arsenal’s attack
Toney was sensational for Brentford during last season. He accumulated 21 goals across all competitions with 20 of those coming in the Premier League.
The Englishman was a catalyst behind the Bees’ strong finish to the campaign, but he was unfortunately banned in early May after his betting breaches.
The striker will be permitted to play again from January next year. Toney can start training this month and should be up to match fitness in the New Year.
In our opinion, Toney would provide a different dimension to Arsenal’s attack. He has a strong aerial presence which is not the case with Jesus or Nketiah.
Toney had a brilliant understanding with David Raya at Brentford. He could also be a target man for the Gunners, retaining possession from long balls.
On top of this, he is obviously gifted with brilliant finishing skills in the box. His scoring record should only improve with the added creativity around him.
Arsenal are likely to face competition from the Blues for Toney, but they could have the upper hand with the striker recently admitting that he loves how the club play.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
