Mikel Arteta told title dream relies on transfer amid doubts over Arsenal star

11 December 2023 , 22:30

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Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Image: PA)

Arsenal need a ruthless goalscorer if they are to win the Premier League or Champions League and Ivan Toney is the man to drag Mikel Arteta ’s team over the line.

That is the view of Ally McCoist, who believes “clever” Gabriel Jesus does not possess the hunger to score enough to lead a successful frontline.

Brentford striker Toney is eligible to return to action on January 16 following an eight-month gambling ban. And while the Bees are holding out for bids north of £100m for their star man, McCoist thinks he would be an ideal fit for the Gunners.

And the former Glasgow Rangers star would also back fringe striker Eddie Nketiah to find the net more regularly than Jesus, who has scored twice in the Premier League and on four occasions in Europe this season.

“I watched Gabriel Jesus at Luton and he’s a player there’s no doubt about it,” McCoist said. “I just think they need somebody – whether it’s Ivan Toney… I definitely think Ivan Toney would elevate them. There’s no doubt about that in my opinion. Definitely.

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“I actually think if Nketiah got a run he might score more goals than Jesus. I’m not saying he’s a better player than Jesus as I don’t necessarily think he is but he might nick more goals. But I think somebody like Toney would potentially make a difference.”

McCoist says Brazilian star Jesus, 26, has plenty of admirable qualities but Arteta has too many smart players in his team. And for that reason a one-track mind centre-forward is required for them to go all the way on domestic and continental fronts.

McCoist, speaking on behalf of TNT Sports, added: “I watch his general play and it’s excellent. He’s strong, he made Havertz’s goal at Luton and did really well backing in. He’s a very, very clever player but Arsenal have got lots of clever players.

“They’ve got Odegaard, different class, Havertz is a very clever player, Saka’s a very clever player. I’m not sure they need another clever player as a centre forward.

“For example, Haaland is the best in the business at this moment in time. I'm not doing him a disservice by saying he’s not a clever player, of course he is, but all he wants to do is score goals. And I think they could do with somebody like that rather than another nice, clever player.”

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Alan Smith