Why Arsenal must complete Ivan Toney transfer in January as Brentford asking price revealed
It's quite simple. Arsenal MUST sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the January transfer window.
There may be some concerns around pursuing a deal to sign Toney considering he is currently serving a ban from playing football until mid-January. The 27-year-old admitted to breaching FA betting rules — but that should not affect the Gunners' thinking when it comes to signing Toney.
The England international enjoyed a brilliant season for Brentford in the Premier League last term — scoring 20 goals in 33 appearances. That may be enough for any team to look at signing Toney, but there are plenty of other reasons for Arsenal to try and bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he wants top quality competition in every position of his team. This has been highlighted by the arrival of David Raya in the summer transfer window — with the Spanish goalkeeper now seen as Arteta's first choice No.1 ahead of Aaron Ramsdale.
The Arsenal boss has been ruthless with his decision making since becoming manager at the Emirates Stadium and signing Toney would just be yet another example of this. Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus currently compete for the starting striker spot in the team — but Toney could usurp both of them as Arsenal's starting No.9.
The Brentford star offers more physicality and scored more goals than Jesus and Nketiah combined (15) in the Premier League last season. If Arsenal want to be able to compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title consistently, they need a striker that will score goals consistently.
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