Ivan Toney could be better than Ian Wright for Arsenal, according to ex-Gunners star Jermaine Pennant. Mikel Arteta is keen on signing the Brentford striker, who has been backed to succeed if he makes the move to the Emirates.
Toney is currently serving his eight-month ban for breaching The FA’s betting regulations. He made a comeback in a friendly against Italian side Como this week and scored.
He is allowed to train with the Brentford first team but cannot play again until mid-January next year. Arsenal are eyeing up the possibility of adding the 27-year-old to their strikeforce.
Toney scored 32 goals in Brentford’s first two seasons in the Premier League and earned a first cap for the senior England side. Pennant is in no doubt that Toney would excel if given the chance to move to a club like Arsenal.
He told Lucky Block: “I’ve said a few times that Toney would be a great signing for Arsenal. He’d be a newer, better Ian Wright! It would be a walk in the park for him and he’d boost Arsenal.”
Toney would have to go some to be better than Wright. He remains Arsenal’s second-leading goalscorer of all time with 185 goals, winning the Premier League and two FA Cups during his seven-year stay in north London.
Pennant also believes there will be movement at Napoli, with the potential of Victor Osimhen leaving in January. He claims Arsenal should be in the race for the Nigeria star if he becomes available.
Pennant added: “If that doesn’t happen, though, then keep in mind that there’s a lot of noise coming out of Napoli regarding Osimhen. If he came to Arsenal, then you have to start to talk about them being massive contenders to City.
“I’d say the only thing Arsenal are lacking is firepower, and Osihmen definitely provides that. As I look at some of the top teams right now, I’d rank Arsenal’s attack fourth-best.
“City have [Erling] Haaland, Liverpool have their front-five, and even Newcastle look potent. Arsenal look unconvincing as you can’t hang your hat on [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Bukayo] Saka getting 20 goals a season each. Osihmen has all of the attributes Arsenal need.”
Eddie Nketiah has received some criticism for his performances in recent weeks. Pennant claims Arteta shouldn’t be relying on him as his main option up front.
He added: “I think Nketiah is good enough for Arsenal, but not as a starter in the big games. I think he should’ve stayed away from the number 14 shirt as those are some big boots to fill. He’s good enough for Arsenal, but not as their leading man.”
