Brentford‘s star striker, Ivan Toney, has been linked with a potential move to Arsenal this summer. With the forward making it clear he envisions his future away from Brentford, this transfer could be a strategic boost for the Gunners. Let's see how the transfer makes sense for Arsenal.

Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, has a clear vision for the team's future and how transfers can strengthen their squad. “The plans that we have for the summer are very clear,” Arteta stated. “They were done almost at the start of the season, understanding what we can have, the contract situations with some players, and how we can improve certain areas of the team. This situation doesn't change that.”

Why Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney, known for his scoring ability and physical presence, fits perfectly into Arsenal's plan for a high-scoring No.9. His performances for Brentford have caught the eye of several top clubs, but Arsenal appears to be the most serious contender.

Toney's history with Arsenal adds another layer to this potential transfer. When Brentford beat Arsenal in August 2021, Toney's cheeky tweet, “Nice kickabout with the boys,” didn't go unnoticed. This tweet was later used by Arteta as motivation for his players. In the Amazon documentary All or Nothing, Arteta displayed Toney's tweet during a pre-match talk, emphasizing the need to dominate the game.

“I have managed to keep it in my stomach for six months,” Arteta said. “This is Toney [show's tweet] after the game when we played them at Brentford. You know what he did, you know his tweet? ‘Nice kick-about with the boys this afternoon'. So, today they play in our house, guys, and there is only one team on that f****** pitch. Only one team, they don't play, we take the f****** ball, we take the game and we go for it. Let's win this f****** game, let's go.”

Ivan Toney's take

Toney himself has hinted that his time at Brentford may be coming to an end. “This season has been personally challenging, especially being unable to help the boys during the early stages of the season,” he wrote on Instagram. “Stepping back on the pitch and receiving the support I did in January was a moment I’ll always remember! Thank you for your support throughout the season!”

In January, Toney discussed his potential move away from Brentford. “The manager has said what he's said but I can't make clubs come and get me,” he explained. “I've just got to keep doing what I do and that's score goals. What will be, will be.”

“You can never predict when is the right time to move elsewhere. It’s obvious I’d like to play for a top club; everybody wants to play for the top clubs, fighting for titles and these kinds of things. So whether it’s this January for a club to come in and pay the right money, who knows? But my main focus is doing what I do on the pitch and let the background work take care of itself.”

Arsenal's offensive needs

Arsenal has struggled at times with finding a consistent goal-scoring forward. Toney, with his proven track record in the Premier League, could be the solution to Arsenal's offensive woes. His ability to hold up play, his physicality, and his knack for finding the back of the net would add a new dimension to Arsenal's attack.

While Arsenal is eager to bring Toney on board, Brentford's asking price and the competition from other Premier League giants could pose challenges. However, Arsenal's clear and focused transfer strategy suggests they are prepared to invest in key players who can make an immediate impact.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Toney's performances will be under the microscope. His ability to maintain his form and continue scoring will be crucial not just for Brentford's hopes but also for his future career prospects.

With Arsenal's interest growing and Toney's ambitions aligning with a move to a top club, the coming months will be pivotal. Whether he joins the Gunners or stays at Brentford for another season, Toney's career trajectory is on an upward path, and his next move will be watched with keen interest by fans and pundits alike.