Brentford forward Ivan Toney has the potential to play a role similar to Harry Kane at Arsenal, making him a clever acquisition for the upcoming transfer window, according to former Gunners star Paul Merson.
Arsenal Eyeing Additional Striker
The North London club sought to bolster their attacking lineup with the acquisition of Brazilian international Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City in the summer of 2022. Jesus has netted nine goals for the Premier League contenders, while Eddie Nketiah has stepped up during periods of injury. Nonetheless, there are rumors of manager Mikel Arteta seeking to further strengthen his offense during the upcoming transfer window. Former Arsenal player Paul Merson believes that English international Toney, who boasts 20 Premier League goals this season, could be an ideal choice amid speculations about his future at Brentford.
Merson’s Thoughts on Toney as a Potential Addition
Merson shared his thoughts with Sky Sports, stating that he doesn’t see a significant difference between Toney and Jesus. He suggested that Toney would be an excellent fit for Arsenal, noting his ability to play long balls, his aerial prowess, and his sharp footballing intellect. While Toney is not Harry Kane, Merson believes he could perform a similar role, moving off center-backs and skillfully distributing passes.
Adapting to Arteta’s System
Under Arteta’s management, Arsenal has generally utilized a single central striker in their formation. Consequently, Toney’s playing style would align well with the tactical approach at the Emirates Stadium.
Potential Hurdle: Toney’s Price Tag
However, the 27-year-old forward’s price tag could pose a challenge, as his valuation was approximately £40 million ($50m) during the previous summer. Furthermore, Toney’s stock has only risen since then, and he remains under contract with West London’s Brentford until 2025.
Ivan Toney’s Early Career
In the past, Ivan Toney started his professional football journey with Northampton Town, having joined their youth ranks in 2007. He made his first-team debut in 2012 at the age of 16, becoming one of the youngest players to represent the club. Over the course of two seasons, Toney scored 13 goals in 60 appearances, drawing attention from higher-tier clubs.
Transition to the Championship
Newcastle United acquired Toney in 2015, providing him with the opportunity to compete in the Championship. However, he found playing time limited and was subsequently loaned to various clubs, including Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Scunthorpe United, and Wigan Athletic. Toney’s most successful loan spell occurred at Scunthorpe United during the 2017-2018 season, where he netted 8 goals in 30 appearances.
Breakthrough at Peterborough United
In 2018, Toney signed with Peterborough United, a League One club. It was here that he truly began to showcase his goal-scoring prowess. In his first season, Toney scored 23 goals in all competitions, followed by an impressive 26 goals in just 39 appearances during the 2019-2020 season. This remarkable performance attracted interest from Brentford.
Rising Star at Brentford
Brentford secured Toney’s services in 2020, and he immediately made an impact in the Championship. During the 2020-2021 season, Toney scored 33 goals and provided 10 assists, breaking the Championship’s single-season goal record. His outstanding performance played a crucial role in Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history.
Premier League Success
Toney’s debut in the Premier League during the 2021-2022 season was nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing stiff competition from top-tier defenders, he managed to find the back of the net 20 times. This impressive performance garnered attention from clubs like Arsenal, as Toney continued to prove his worth as a top-level striker.
Conclusion
Ivan Toney’s journey was characterized by perseverance and a steady rise through the ranks of English football. From his humble beginnings at Northampton Town to his record-breaking season with Brentford in the Championship and subsequent Premier League success, Toney consistently demonstrated his goal-scoring ability. His past performances made him a sought-after talent, with clubs like Arsenal considering him as a valuable addition to their squad.