Prior to the January transfer window, Arsenal has now set their sights on a new striker. Journalist Charles Watts recently mentioned a Premier League star as a possible target…
Who might be signed by Arsenal in January?
After being connected to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for several years, Arsenal is reportedly “close” to activating the £51 million release clause in his contract; however, the transfer may be conditioned on a sale.
In recent months, there have been rumours that Thomas Partey might join Juventus or Saudi Arabia. Zubimendi could join the team if Partey leaves, and Mikel Arteta wants to increase his attacking alternatives.
Watts recently disclosed in a TEAMtalk essay that Arteta will be looking for alternatives in the January transfer window to Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus because the manager wants to add a more adaptable striker.
Depending on how they are doing by the time the mid-season transfer window opens, Watts predicts the Gunners will pursue a more muscular attacker either in January or next summer. The journalist identifies two possible candidates.
The north Londoners may decide to look elsewhere if they are unable to complete a deal for Victor Osimhen of Napoli, a Nigerian international who is expected to fetch a high cost due to interest from other clubs.
Watts views Ivan Toney, a striker for Brentford, as a “possible January option” because of his previous season’s performance at the Emirates Stadium, which the writer feels would make him “perfect for Arsenal.”
In the 2022–23 season, Watts claims that Toney gave William Saliba a great deal of trouble when he scored the equalising goal in a 1–1 draw. Toney is only one of the objectives on the list ahead of the January transfer window, though there are several others as well.
Ivan Toney isn’t playing, why?
Due to his violation of the FA’s betting regulations, the Brentford forward is barred from playing football until January 2024. Despite this, he was a standout player for the Bees last season, and if he signed in January, he may provide the Gunners a significant advantage in the championship fight.
The England international, who is approaching his prime years, scored 20 Premier League goals in the previous season, which was the third-highest total of any player in the top flight. This suggests that he may be ready for a major move.
The 27-year-old Brentford player may be ready to move on at this point, but Arsenal may need to fend off interest from many other Premier League teams, including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Toney was hailed as “sensational” by BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone. The former England international Jay Bothroyd thinks Toney would be a better addition for the Gunners during the winter transfer window, saying:
“He can score at least 20 Premier League goals a season if he plays for one of the best teams. Fantastic at penalties; he’s amazing at penalties. I would love for Arsenal to sign him right away if you brought him to them. In the Premier League, I believe he would score more goals than Ollie Watkins and Jesus.”
