Ian Wright says Ivan Toney would be the last piece of jigsaw for Arsenal
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Brentford striker Ivan Toney would be the final piece of the jigsaw for the Gunners as they look to challenge for the Premier League title.
The Gunners have had a fantastic start to the top-flight campaign and they are currently on 20 points after eight games. The club are only behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur on goals scored.
Despite this, there are still questions regarding the club’s strike force. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have been regulars up front, but they have netted just three goals in the division.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said that the endeavour of the duo cannot be questioned but the Gunners can’t afford to be missing chances in a title race.
The club legend added that the Toney links don’t seem to go away and the Englishman could be the last bit of the jigsaw as the club aim to end their two-decade long wait for the title.
He said: “You can’t question the endeavour of both of these players, Eddie and Jesus, but in the moments I think you look back at the Tottenham game, with the Jesus miss.”
“For a player of his level, his calibre, to get into that position at 1-0 up, you have to [score]. Those chances have to be buried. And I believe for what Arsenal are trying to do, the margins are so small now, you cannot afford to be missing chances like that and not win those games.
“And what I’m seeing with Eddie, he’s working his socks off, no chances really made for him. The work off the ball, fantastic, same with Jesus. 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.”
Toney signing would transform Arsenal into serious title contenders
Jesus and Nketiah have had memorable moments for the Gunners leading the line. Nketiah scored a superb late winner against Manchester United earlier this year.
However, the Gunners need much more from the duo to go all the way and lift the title. They have made a good start, but Manchester City remain favourites to finish top.
As Wright said, Toney could be the last piece of the jigsaw. He has proven his credentials in the Premier League. Last term, he netted 20 goals from 33 league matches.
His tally could only get better with more creative players around him. The 27-year-old is in the prime of his career and won’t come on the cheap. He is valued at £80 million.
Arsenal are likely to face fierce competition from Chelsea for the former Newcastle man this winter. The Bees are open to parting ways with him following his ban for breaching FA betting rules.
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