Michael Owen has suggested that Ivan Toney isn’t quite at the level required to become Arsenal’s new striker this month.
The January transfer window is open, and Arsenal fans are hoping for some serious business. Toney has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, but Owen believes he’s not good enough.
Michael Owen suggests Ivan Toney is not good enough for Arsenal
Arsenal really could do with a new striker in this month’s transfer window.
We have mostly been excellent at the back this season, having conceded just 20 goals in the Premier League – only Liverpool have let in fewer.
However, Arsenal have the worst record in terms of goals scored among the current top five. That is not sustainable at all if we want to win the Premier League this season.
Among the strikers linked with a move to Arsenal this month is Ivan Toney, and many fans feel he could make a big difference for us.
Michael Owen, however, has now suggested that the £60 million Brentford man is not good enough to play for Mikel Arteta‘s side.
He told Premier League Productions (January 1, 2024, 11:00 pm): “I think it (new striker) has to be a priority for them, at some point. If the opportunity comes right now, then yes, take it.
“The next question is ‘right, who is going to improve it? Who is going to be that man?’ Ivan Toney has been linked to Arsenal over the last few months. His numbers are very good. But he does score an awful lot of penalties. You mentioned the figure earlier that about 60 per cent of his goals are penalties, which is an awful lot.
“And is he good enough? He’s a very, very good player. To be an Arsenal centre-forward going for the league. I just reeled off three names before. We are talking about some of the best strikers ever in recent times. 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.”
Get Ivan Toney now or wait for Victor Osimhen
The January transfer window is always difficult for clubs to bring in top players, and Arsenal have the same problem now.
Among all the strikers available this month, Ivan Toney is probably our best bet. He is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, offers something different to our attack and his link-up play could bring the best out of the players around him.
However, if we can’t get Toney in the next few weeks, he should be off our list. He will be 28 then and there would be better forwards available on the market.
If we go into the summer transfer window in search of a new striker, we hope Victor Osimhen will be our number one target.
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