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
