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‘Big question mark’… Michael Owen tells Arsenal not to waste their money on 27-year-old striker
Michael Owen has given his verdict on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal potentially signing Ivan Toney in the January transfer window.
The former Manchester United and Liverpool striker has outlined the reasons he thinks Arsenal should not bid for the Brentford striker.
So, what has Michael Owen said about Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Arsenal? Let’s take a look.
Michael Owen tells Arsenal not to sign Ivan Toney
Well, Michael Owen does not think that Arsenal should sign Ivan Toney from London and Premier League rivals Brentford in the January transfer window.
The former Liverpool and Manchester United striker does not think that Toney is world class and may not be able to step up his game at Arsenal.
According to , Arsenal are interested in signing Toney in the January transfer window.
The report has claimed that the 27-year-old England international striker himself is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium this month. Brentford value him at £100 million.
Owen said on (01/01/24 at 11:00 pm), as transcribed by : “I think it has to be a priority for them, at some point. If the opportunity comes right now, then yes, take it.
“The next question is ‘right, who is going to improve it? Who is going to be that man?’ Ivan Toney has been linked to Arsenal over the last few months.
“His numbers are very good. But he does score an awful lot of penalties. You mentioned the figure earlier that about 60% of his goals are penalties, which is an awful lot.
“And is he good enough? He’s a very, very good player. To be an Arsenal centre-forward going for the league. I just reeled off three names before.
“We are talking about some of the best strikers ever in recent times. World-class players. Is he of that level? It’s a big question mark. He has done it for Brentford, but whether he could up his game at Arsenal is different.”
My View: Michael Owen makes good points about Ivan Toney
The reason why Arsenal want to sign a striker in the January transfer window is because they want a ‘proper’ number 9 who can score the goals they need to win the Premier League title this season.
Manchester City have Erling Haaland banging in the goals for fun for them. Mohamed Salah is a goal machine for Liverpool.
Gabriel Jesus has scored three goals in 15 Premier League matches for Arsenal this season. Eddie Nketiah has found the back of the net five times in 19 league appearances for the Gunners this campaign.
I agree with Michael Owen. I do not think that Toney is an ‘elite’ striker who can make an immediate impact at Arsenal and score the goals that they need.
Moreover, the striker has not played at all this season due to a ban. It could take him a while to get full-match fitness.