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Paul Merson says £60m striker Arsenal are trying to sign is ‘like Harry Kane’
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has spoken of the Gunners’ interest in Ivan Toney ahead of his return to action for Brentford.
The Highbury icon, writing on , believes the 27-year-old striker is “like Harry Kane” in terms of letting the goals do the talking.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Toney in recent months, and speculation has continued to do the rounds in the January transfer window.
For instance, journalist Ryan Taylor recently said: “Toney wants to join Arsenal and he would favour that move above anywhere else at this moment in time.”
The reported Gunners target has served an eight-month ban for breaking Football Association gambling rules, and is now able to return to action.
Toney has scored 32 goals in 64 Premier League games since joining the west Londoners in 2020 and will be eager to build on his tally this season.
The ace is expected to return to Brentford’s squad in their home meeting with Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s 5:30pm kickoff.
Arsenal target Ivan Toney ‘leads by example with his goals’
Merson believes Arsenal and Chelsea will be keeping tabs on proceedings at the Gtech Community Stadium to see how Toney fares.
“The big story for Brentford is the return of Ivan Toney, who is set to make his first appearance of the season after his ban,” Merson wrote.
“Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the striker and I think both those teams will be watching to see if he’s still got it.
“I know he’s been training, but there is absolutely nothing like playing matches at the top level, so it remains to be seen if Toney makes a triumphant return for the Bees.
“He’s not really a leader of the same ilk as John Terry or Tony Adams, but he leads by example with his goals, like Harry Kane.”
While a January signing seems unlikely due to FFP and Brentford wanting to keep hold of their star striker for the remainder of the season, it’ll be interesting to see what happens in the summer.
Toney has outlined his desire to play for a in his career, and Arsenal can certainly give him title challenges and Champions League football at present.