Arsenal is expected to secure a striker with 72 goals in a budget-friendly deal, coinciding with significant predictions regarding the Premier League title race.
Arsenal is reportedly interested in acquiring a striker who has scored 72 goals at a reduced price, as predictions for the Premier League title intensify.
The North London club is actively seeking a new centre-forward, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney frequently mentioned as a potential target throughout the summer.
Mikel Arteta recognizes the necessity of securing a new striker to compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title, particularly with Eddie Nketiah likely departing.
Nketiah, 25, has received two offers from French club Marseille after being informed by Arsenal that he will not receive regular playing time this season.
The previous offers have been declined, but it is anticipated that Roberto De Zerbi’s squad will submit a third proposal now that Arsenal has allegedly lowered their asking price.
Everton is also monitoring Nketiah’s circumstances closely, although Marseille currently appears to be the frontrunner for his signature.
Nketiah’s situation has heightened Arsenal’s urgency to find a new striker. Initially, Sporting CP’s prolific scorer Viktor Gyokeres was their primary target, but his £86 million valuation has been deemed too high.
The Gunners are now exploring other options in the market, with Toney emerging as a viable candidate, especially since Brentford may be willing to part with him for around £40 million.
The England international is poised to depart from the Bees in search of a top-tier club and is open to the possibility of joining Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal has been encouraged to pursue Ivan Toney. Manchester United icon Paul Scholes expressed on The Overlap his belief that Arsenal has the potential to clinch the Premier League title this season, while also advocating for the acquisition of a new striker.
Last season, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Nketiah collectively netted 22 league goals, which is seven fewer than the tally of Manchester City’s star player, Erling Haaland.
Despite this, Arsenal managed to score a total of 91 league goals last season, just five shy of Manchester City’s overall total.
“It’s difficult to argue that [Arsenal] lacks goal-scoring ability given their impressive tally, and set pieces played a significant role in their success,” Scholes remarked.
“I believe that bringing in a center-forward would be beneficial. Acquiring a true number nine capable of delivering 25 to 30 goals, similar to what Manchester City has, would certainly be advantageous.
“The question remains whether such players are available. Ivan Toney has frequently been mentioned as a viable option. I believe he could contribute 25 goals to Arsenal’s campaign.”
Toney joined Brentford in 2020 and has netted 72 goals for the team, significantly contributing to their ascent from the Championship and their ongoing presence in the Premier League.
He achieved a personal best of 21 goals during the 2022/23 season, although his development was hindered last season due to an eight-month suspension related to gambling violations.
It will be intriguing to observe whether Arsenal heeds Scholes’ recommendation and submits an offer for Toney in the near future, as Manchester United has also shown interest in the forward recently.
