Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has encouraged Arsenal to target Brentford’s Ivan Toney as the Gunners continue their quest for a Premier League title, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 37-year-old believes that Toney’s goal-scoring ability could be the missing piece for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have fallen short in the title race over the last two seasons.
Toney has been a standout performer for Brentford, consistently contributing to their strong mid-table finishes since their promotion to the Premier League in 2021.
The 28-year-old striker has netted 72 goals and provided 23 assists in 141 appearances for the Bees across all competitions. His impressive tally of 20 goals in the 2022-23 Premier League season caught the attention of top clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham.
However, Toney’s momentum was halted by an eight-month ban for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules, sidelining him for much of the 2023-24 season.
Despite this setback, interest in Toney from the London clubs remains high.
Tottenham have already secured the services of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in a £65 million deal, while Arsenal continue their search for a top-class No. 9.
Speaking to BeIN Sports, Obi Mikel highlighted the importance of signing a proven goalscorer like Toney for Arsenal’s ambitions.
“I think a club like Arsenal. He has been linked with Arsenal for quite some time now… They will need someone like that, a goalscorer,” Mikel said.
“Havertz is doing really well but Arsenal will need somebody like that, a proven goalscorer.”
“I look at him and I think he has still got a lot to give in the Premier League. I think he will probably go to a club in the Premier League. I really think Arsenal will suit Ivan Toney or (Aston) Villa,” Obi Mikel concluded
Arsenal? Aston Villa? Saudi Arabia?
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) August 18, 2024
Our panel discuss the next destination for Ivan Toney… #beINPL #AFC #AVFC #BFC pic.twitter.com/68YU3AJvmu
In addition to Toney, Arsenal have been linked with other potential striker options, including Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez, as they look to bolster their attacking lineup.
Despite not making any attacking signing in the summer, Arsenal began their Premier League campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wolves.
