Arsenal have been urged to take the plunge and ensure a new striker walks through the door at the Emirates during the January transfer window, as the Gunners bid to finally return to the top table in English football and win the Premier League title.
The Gunners currently lead the pack heading into the festive period, with Liverpool firmly on their tails and an out-of-sorts Manchester City still very much in the reckoning.
While Gabriel Jesus has been leading the forward line with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli flanking him, it has become obvious to fans and pundits alike that more goals are required to continue the title assault for the remainder of the season.
And, the Gunners will win the Premier League this season if they sign Ivan Toney, according to former Arsenal star Jermaine Pennant.
The Brentford striker is top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist ahead of the January transfer window and he has been backed to become the modern-day Ian Wright, who tore up the record books in the famous red shirt and became one of the club’s all time legends.
Jesus has scored just three league goals so far this season for Arteta’s side, while Eddie Nketiah has fallen out of favour and not started a match since early November.
Toney has been linked with a move to the Emirates for several months as he prepares to return from his ban for breaching the FA’s betting rules.
Several clubs have been linked with the Englishman, including Chelsea and his former employers Newcastle United.
Though Brentford recognise Toney as a striker of the highest calibre, manager Thomas Frank has already noted that the squad has been prepared and set up without him this season, and that the Bees are ready to move on and reinvest the considerable transfer fee which he would command.
Speaking on a potential swoop for Toney, Pennant told Genting Casino: “Arsenal need Ivan Toney’s goals more than any other team that is rumoured to be interested in signing him. I think he would be a perfect fit for Arsenal.
“He is a real worker off the ball, he likes to run in behind and he can hold up the ball well. We all know his ability in front of the goal.
“Everyone has suggested that Ivan Toney could be the missing piece of the Arsenal puzzle and I do really believe that he is the guy that could win them win the title. I think he could come into the club and become Arsenal’s modern version of Ian Wright.”
“He’s a brilliant player and I think he’s been performing well for the last three seasons. On goals alone, then only Harry Kane ranks higher than him in terms of English players over the last few seasons. That’s not bad company for Toney to keep.”
