Jermaine Pennant urges Arsenal to sign Ivan Toney

Former Arsenal ace Jermaine Pennant has urged the Gunners to spend big on Brentford striker Ivan Toney when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

The north London giants have had a fantastic start to the Premier League campaign. They are currently on the same number of points as leaders Tottenham Hotspur and only trail on goals scored.

Despite this, there have been questions raised over the striking department. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have netted a combined three goals in the top-flight this season.

This has led to suggestions that the Gunners could pursue a deal for Toney in January and Pennant believes he would be a fantastic signing and a perfect fit for the club.

The once Arsenal man added that Toney would be like a ‘modern era Ian Wright’ and he would be surprised if the Gunners don’t land his signature at the turn of the year.

“Toney would be a fantastic signing. He’s a proven goalscorer at Brentford, a great finisher with great work rate and is a brilliant asset to the team,” Pennant said in an interview with an online betting site.

“In a team like Arsenal where they can control the game, he would be the absolute perfect fit – he would be like a modern era Ian Wright. I would be shocked if Arsenal didn’t go out and get him this season.”

Arsenal need to be ambitious in January

The Gunners came on the cusp of lifting the Premier League title last season. They led the table for eight months but lost momentum in the final weeks. William Saliba’s injury played a big role.

Aside from Saliba’s absence, the club also lacked the presence of a genuine goalscoring striker. The situation has continued this term with Jesus and Nketiah struggling to find the back of the net.

In Toney, the Gunners would have a proven striker to lead the attack for them. The £60 million-rated star has a strong physical and aerial presence and is also blessed with superb finishing skills.

Last season, he netted 20 goals in the top-flight before his ban from FA for betting breaches. He recently returned to training with the Bees and will be permitted to play again from January 17.

In our view, Toney could fare much better with the Gunners with the vast creative talent around him. His signing seems a no-brainer, but the question is whether the club will spend big on him.

Arsenal had the chance to boost their title bid last winter with a huge mid-season spending spree but two of their signings – Jorginho & Jakub Kiwior were pretty much signed to provide back-up.

If the club remain in the title race heading into 2024, they should be more ambitious this time around and make a big-money move for Toney, who is also on the radar of London rivals Chelsea.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com