Arsenal face a problem in the January transfer window, as they are limited in their spending power whilst also trying to fix their issues on the pitch.
Back-to-back defeats against West Ham and Fulham have raised concerns about the attacking quality within the squad, and many have claimed that Arsenal need to recruit a striker in the January transfer window.
Ivan Toney has been linked, but there are question marks over his potential price tag, and whether Arsenal should pursue a player who has not played since the end of last season.
Arsenal’s chances of signing Ivan Toney rated
Speaking on TalkSPORT (02/01, 7.39AM), presenter Alex Crook claimed that a move for Toney seemed unlikely in this window given Brentford’s desire to keep him.
“I’m not convinced you know. I think Ivan Toney might just feel, Brentford in their current predicament maybe he owes them to come back and keep them in the Premier League.
“I know from a Bees perspective they don’t really want to sell him this month, that’s why they put such a high asking price on him, in excess of £80m.
“They’re hoping that he’ll sign a new contract, probably with a release clause and then go in the summer.”
Arsenal should prioritise other areas in the January window
Arsenal are set to prioritise the signing of a defender, given how short of options they are at the back.
Ben White has been playing through injury in recent weeks, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey all missing for most of the campaign.
If White is to be ruled out at any point, or if William Saliba picks up an injury, Mikel Arteta would find himself in a crisis with hardly any alternative options.
Gabriel Jesus is Arsenal’s main striker, and despite a lack of goals, he brings much more to the team in his link-up play, having recently been compared to Roberto Firmino in this regard.
Arsenal’s struggles at Fulham came in build-up play, and having a different forward such as Toney upfront would not have solved this issue. Given the financial difficulties in such a deal, as well as the doubts surrounding his match fitness and ability to improve Arsenal’s attack, other areas should be prioritised ahead of a striker, starting with the defence.
Jorrel Hato of Ajax has been linked, but Arsenal may need an experienced player who can cover the right side of the back four.
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