Arsenal have been urged to secure the signing of Brentford’s in-form centre-forward Ivan Toney by ex-Tottenham ace Darren Bent.
Speaking on talkSPORT, as relayed by Transfer Market Web, former Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland striker Darren Bent has backed Arsenal to make a move for Brentford centre-forward Ivan Toney.
The 25-year-old Toney has been with Brentford for just over a year. Having signed for the club in 2020, he helped the Bees achieve promotion to the Premier League on the back of some stunning form in front of goal. Having arrived in the top-flight, the Englishman has made a positive start to the new campaign.
In seven league games so far, Toney has produced a return of two goals and two assists apiece, aiding Thomas Frank’s side to make a strong start. And Bent believes that Arsenal should look to make a swoop for the 25-year-old former Newcastle United ace in order to address their goalscoring woes.
“Could they lure him away from Brentford? Well, of course,” Bent told talkSPORT. “Yes (he would be a good fit for Arsenal). It’s early days. But what he has shown so far at Brentford, he is the real deal, not in terms of his goal return, just the way he is bullying people and he never shies away from a challenge. I think he is definitely destined for big things.”
After breaking the Championship scoring record in 20/21, Ivan Toney looks at home in the Premier League:
◎ 2 goals
◎ 2 assists
◉ Most aerial duels won
◉ Most successful flick-ons
◉ 2nd-most through balls
◉ 3rd-most fouls won
◉ 4th-most Expected AssistsComplete player. pic.twitter.com/X9DIOryneA
— Squawka Bet (@SquawkaBet) October 3, 2021
Arsenal are preparing for life without long-serving striker Alexandre Lacazette. The 30-year-old Frenchman has entered the final year of his contract with the Gunners and is bound for the exit doors with a renewal not being discussed as things stand.
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen on adding a young, English centre-forward to his roster in order to replace the former Olympique Lyon man. This has seen the north London giants get linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins while Dominic-Calvert Lewin of Everton has also emerged as an option.
With Eddie Nketiah also facing an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium, it only bodes well for Arsenal to bring in a new striker at the earliest possible. And, while they continue to be linked with a host of names, Bent has advised them to go after Toney. Whether they listen to the former Tottenham man and look at the Brentford striker remains to be seen.
