Ex-Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant says his former club should consider a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
The 27-year-old scored 21 goals in all competitions last season but he has been suspended until January for breaching betting rules. Even so, Pennant believes the forward should be seriously considered as a transfer target by the Gunners and other teams:
“I think Ivan Toney would be a good signing for any team including Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs. He’s proven to be the second-best British striker we have behind Harry Kane, last season he was the third-best striker in the league with his tally, he can score and create.”
“He’s been so important for Brentford, a mid-table team and in a better team with more chances created, he’d score more goals. His work rate and creativity is excellent so I think he’d be a great addition for Arsenal if they were to bid for him.”
Most Arsenal fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) agree with Pennant’s remarks:
He’s a great player ngl wouldn’t mind getting him honestly
— Gee facts (@factsgee2) August 1, 2023
Yes I agree he'd be amazing for us
— My Opinion Shouldn't Bother You! (@zelda5_iam) July 31, 2023
Yes we need him !
— Jollof Declan Rice (@youtuffright) July 31, 2023
Agreed! We need one more striker
— sh1no (@sh1no_xyz) July 31, 2023
I can't agree more !
— prince ahmed (@princemwebe) July 31, 2023
I would take the gamble.
— Counsel Bonfesc Akusala (@akusalaw) August 1, 2023
This won't be a bad signing
— Bennexx (@Bennexx11) July 31, 2023
Scoring goals is not really an issue for Arsenal
While there is no disputing the fact that Toney is an excellent player, adding more goals to the team isn’t a priority for manager Mikel Arteta. Gabriel Jesus may have struggled at times during his first season, having been also sidelined with injury, but even then the Gunners hit the back of the net 88 times in the Premier League.
Having enough firepower is not the problem. Shoring things up at the back and making the midfield as secure as possible was the goal for the summer, and that has been achieved with the arrivals of both Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.
