09 March 2024 , 04:00
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Ivan Toney will have something to prove when he faces Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.
From the moment Toney made his now infamous “nice kick about with the boys” comment in August 2021, the Brentford striker has almost become the player Arsenal fans love to hate. But there’s no denying quite a few Arsenal supporters would also love to sign him.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta used Toney’s taunt on social media after Brentford beat Arsenal in his team talk to whip up his players for the return fixture the following February. Arsenal won 2-1 but Toney was not playing.
However, Toney, 27, had already got under Arsenal’s skin, had made an impression and was firmly on the radar even if he was not a target at that stage. There is no doubt that Arsenal like him for his physical presence, clinical finishing and football intelligence. He links play, is clever and has a very good fitness record.
Do not underestimate how important fitness is when Arsenal are thinking about a new No.9 because Gabriel Jesus has become worryingly injury prone in the past 12 months. But while Toney was definitely top of Arsenal’s list, there are a few things now that will arguably count against him.
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Brentford are braced for him to leave this summer and, with just 12 months left on his deal, that would normally mean a lesser fee. But Arsenal’s interest, plus the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham watching developments, could spark a bidding war and if the price tag goes up to £80m then that will almost certainly be seen as way too much.
Why would you pay mega money for a player who is unproven at the highest level who is also free in a year’s time? That price tag might be too expensive. Toney is a big fish in a small pond at Brentford. A big, outspoken character who fills the dressing room and has not been backward in coming forward about wanting to leave.
Toney has made no secret of his desire to leave Brentford this summer (Getty Images)That has not been a universally popular move at Brentford - who supported him through his eight month ban - and managers always have to think about how potential players fit into their dressing room. Toney has just returned from a long absence, so how has that affected his form and performances? After making an impressive instant impression in his first game back, has he been as good?
If you were picking a back-up striker to Harry Kane for England now, surely that would be Ollie Watkins rather than Ivan Toney. Arsenal were crying out for a ruthless finisher at the turn of the year but now they are sharing the goals around and it does not seem so urgent to sign a new No.9.
They undoubtedly want a striker - but they can be calm and relaxed about it. They have scouted RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres. These are all factors which might just make Arsenal nervous. Not just about signing Toney, but also because it means the Brentford striker will have even more to prove at the Emirates.
When Toney is in the mood, he is tough, physical and a huge threat. This is his audition. And one big performance might just make him a compelling choice. That is a real worry for Arsenal who always find it hard going against Brentford - no matter the scoreline. They are a physical, tough nut to crack and no-one epitomises that more than Toney.
If there is one player who can upset Arsenal’s title push and deny them the win to put them top then it is Toney.
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