The Gunners are joined by Chelsea and Tottenham in keeping tabs on Toney, who has been out of competitive action since May due to breaching the FA’s betting regulations. The Brentford man is due to return to the pitch in January.
Having openly admitted that he would like to test his talents at the highest level possible, the winter transfer window could see Toney draw a line under his three-and-a-half-year spell with the Bees.
There is plenty of interest in the England international despite his eye-watering £80m price tag. And while Pearce admits that his top-flight exploits are worthy of admiration, the former Manchester City boss has questioned whether 27-year-old Toney would represent good value.
“The big thing is, the age of Toney might come into consideration,” he told Express Sport, in association with Prime Video. “People want value for money. He is certainly, before he was laid up, he was firing particularly well and did brilliantly for Brentford.
“I think he’s an outstanding player, but whether what it would cost to get him out of Brentford is value for money, I don’t know. Brentford will want top dollar for him, having sat with the player for the best part of nine months without him kicking a ball.”
“You look at some of the high-flying teams around the world, they might have four options up front,” he added. “There are still slight questions marks about Nketiah and Jesus.
“Maybe even if [Kai] Havertz plays up top, there’s a question mark there. If an out-and-out goal scorer that guarantees 20-odd goals a season [becomes available], that would push Arsenal’s credentials even further.”
Prime Video is broadcasting 20 Premier League fixtures this season, including a full round of fixtures in December, featuring matches such as Luton vs Arsenal, Manchester United vs Chelsea and Aston Villa vs Manchester City – plus every Boxing Day match.
