Ivan Toney debate intensifies as Arsenal receive unexpected transfer boost

04 January 2024 , 04:00

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Ivan Toney debate intensifies as Arsenal receive unexpected transfer boost

Will Ivan Toney join Arsenal?

That's question on everyone's lips, as the Gunners look to find a striker who can fire them to the title. Gabriel Jesus has scored just three Premier League goals this season, while Eddie Nketiah's tally of five isn't much better. Arsenal's lack of a prolific striker has caused them to tumble down to fourth in the table, five points behind leaders Liverpool.

But signing Toney, 27, will be difficult. Brentford don't want to sell the England international after losing Bryan Mbeumo to a serious ankle injury and Yoane Wissa to the Africa Cup of Nations. They could demand as much as £100million, which may prove too expensive. Here are the latest updates on Toney's proposed transfer the Emirates.

Arsenal MUST sign Toney - Merson

Paul Merson believes Arsenal must sign Toney to keep their title hopes alive. He hit 20 Premier League goals last season and will be available for selection again this month after completing an eight-month ban for breaching the Football Association's betting rules.

"They need a centre-forward," Merson told Sky Sports. "There is no doubt about that in my opinion. Jesus had two chances (in the home defeat) at West Ham, they are gimmes really for someone like an Ivan Toney.

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"For me there is a long way to go. Arsenal are still in it. I still think they have got to get Ivan Toney. I don't think they win the league if they don't get a centre-forward."

Arsenal should NOT sign Toney - Owen

Ivan Toney is Arsenal's No.1 transfer target (Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)

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But Michael Owen believes the Gunners should look elsewhere for a new striker. Owen told Premier League productions: "His numbers are very good, but he does score an awful lot of penalties (11 of his 32 career goals in the Premier League have come from the spot)."

Owen is concerned Toney isn't good enough to play for Arsenal. He added: "He’s a very, very good player... World-class players. Is he of that level? It’s a big question mark. He has done it for Brentford, but whether he could up his game at Arsenal is different."

Toney has no sell-on clause

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has confirmed there is no sell-on clause in Toney's contract. Brentford signed the forward from the Posh for an initial £5m in August 2020, with that figure eventually increasing to £10m thanks to add-ons.

Reports suggested Peterborough included a 30 per cent sell-on clause in that deal, which would drive up Brentford's price in the event of a sale. Yet MacAnthony has called these reports "complete misinformation". Toney has 18 months left on his Bees contract.

Tom Blow