Micah Richards urges Mikel Arteta and Arsenal to make Ivan Toney transfer U-turn for one key reason

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With the closure of the summer transfer window now on the horizon, the future of Ivan Toney is still up in the air.

Arsenal have been on the hunt for a striker this summer. Ivan Toney has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, whilst the Gunners have also been credited with an interest in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Dominic Solanke, and Victor Osimhen, amongst others. 

Mikel Arteta is clearly keen to bolster his strikeforce, despite currently already having Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah to call upon to lead the line. 

Toney looks likely to be on the move this summer. Thomas Frank left the forward out of Brentford’s matchday squad this weekend, amid transfer developments surrounding the striker.

The England international could be on the verge of a switch to Saudi Arabia. Many Arsenal fans are okay with Toney not joining Arteta’s ranks. 

However, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has now urged the Arsenal manager to make another attempt to secure the Brentford man’s signature. 

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Micah Richards tells Arsenal to sign Ivan Toney

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: “You know who I’d go and buy? Ivan Toney. He was left out the squad, there’s talks about him going to Saudi. Not necessarily for their system, in terms of how Arsenal want to press, we’ve seen their free-flowing football at times, but just a different option off the bench. 

“Something different to give them a different dynamic…I think he’d be a good fit.”

Toney would certainly give the Gunners an interesting alternative option. Like Havertz, he is a very physical presence up front. He can win the ball in the air, hold up possession, and bring teammates into play.

However, Toney is also a clinical finisher, who comes alive in the penalty area, and possesses a goal poacher’s instincts. He has the capacity to be the consistent and reliable goalscorer that the Gunners currently lack amongst their striker options. 

Mikel Arteta’s stance on Toney

Richards is not only telling Arsenal to sign Toney, but he is asking Arteta to change his mind about the player. 

Arteta has an issue with Toney’s “behaviour,” and it is certainly safe to say that the 28-year-old is a big personality. 

If Arteta has decided that Toney isn’t a good fit for Arsenal due to his attitude, then it is hard to imagine the Spanish coach ever changing his mind.