Arsenal Manager Reconsiders Brentford Star Signing Amid Manchester United Interest

Arsenal has been urged to reconsider their stance on Ivan Toney, with Paul Scholes suggesting that signing the Brentford striker could be the key to securing the Premier League title.

Toney, who has been linked with several clubs, including Manchester United, has just one year remaining on his contract with Brentford.

Although Arsenal has previously shown interest in Toney, they have since shifted focus. However, Scholes believes this could be a missed opportunity for the Gunners.

Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, the former Manchester United midfielder emphasized the impact a prolific striker like Toney could have on Arsenal’s title aspirations under Mikel Arteta.

“It’s hard to say Arsenal don’t have enough up front given their goal-scoring record last season, but signing a dedicated number nine who can guarantee 25 goals could be the difference,” Scholes stated. “Ivan Toney has been mentioned a lot. I think he could score 25 goals in that Arsenal team—and in many other teams as well.”

Scholes also recommended Toney to his former club, Manchester United, despite their recent £40 million signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.

He expressed skepticism about the ability of new signing Rasmus Højlund to deliver the 25 goals needed to propel United to success this season.

Toney, 28, endured a challenging season at Brentford, missing significant time due to a ban for breaching FA betting regulations. He scored just four goals in 17 appearances last term, following a standout campaign with 21 goals in 34 matches across all competitions.

Brentford has already made moves to strengthen their frontline, spending £30 million on former Club Brugge striker Igor Thiago, though he is set to miss much of the season due to a knee injury sustained in pre-season.

As Arsenal weighs their options in the final weeks of the transfer window, Scholes’ advice could prompt a reconsideration of Toney’s potential impact on their quest for Premier League glory.