In a recent column on Give Me Sport, journalist Dean Jones claimed that Arsenal have genuine interest in Brentford star Ivan Toney. It has been stated that the Gunners are ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea in the race to acquire the services the English talent in the summer.
Toney’s Recent Form In Premier League Football
Toney has enjoyed a decent run of form at Brentford recently as he has managed to put in a few productive displays for them in front of the opponent’s goal. The 27-year-old has banged in four goals in seven appearances for the Bees this season on all fronts.
The English striker has been a valuable presence in the final third based on his average of 1.1 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 3.3 shots and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. However, he has lacked quality when linking up play with others around him in the opposition half after completing 58.2% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the English club will run out in the summer of 2025 which could open the door for the Gunners to sign him on the cheap at the end of this season.
What Will Toney Add To Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta’s Team?
Toney can engineer a yard of space for himself to get a few strikes in at goal. He has got the vision to create a few promising chances for his teammates in the final third and usually works his socks off for his team defensively.
The English talent can press the opposition well high up the field which makes him a good fit for Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s brand of football. However, he needs to improve his link-up play if he wants to taste success at the highest level.
We can expect Toney to add more firepower to the North London club‘s frontline. He is good enough to rival Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah for a regular first-team spot at the Emirates Stadium next season. Thus, Arteta would be wise to go all out to snap him up when the transfer commences later this year.
At 27, Toney has his best years ahead of him which makes him a worthy target for Arsenal to pursue this summer.
