Speaking to JBI International, he said: “I do think we need that extra striker. If Gabriel Jesus gets injured again, is Eddie going to be able to come in and do well enough in the Champions League?” he said. “I know that we could play with a false nine, but I would like that security of having an out-and-out striker.”
Arteta signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65m in June, but the German has been used predominantly in the attacking midfielder rather than as a No 9. And when the 23-year-old has filled the void up front in place of Jesus or Nketiah, Havertz has been wasteful in front of goal.
That leaves the Spaniard with the possibility of spending big on Toney or making do with what he has at his disposal, as it is extremely difficult to sign a top striker in January given Champions League commitments and the reluctance of big clubs to sell their prized assets.
And that could offer an opportunity for Toney to get his dream move, much to the delight of Parlour.
