Ian Wright says £80m star would transform Arsenal into serious title contenders

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Brentford striker Ivan Toney would be the final piece of the jigsaw for the Gunners as they look to challenge for the Premier League title.

Mike Arteta’s side have made a fantastic start to the season and are currently on 20 points after eight games. They are only behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur on goals scored.

Despite this, there are still questions regarding the club’s strike force. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have been regulars up front, but they have netted just three goals this term.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said the duo work hard but the Gunners can’t afford to be missing chances in a title race.

He said: “You can’t question the endeavour of both of these players, Eddie and Jesus, but in the moments I think you look back at the Tottenham game, with the Jesus miss.”

“For a player of his level, his calibre, to get into that position at 1-0 up, you have to [score]. Those chances have to be buried.

And I believe for what Arsenal are trying to do, the margins are so small now you cannot afford to be missing chances like that and not win those games.

“And what I’m seeing with Eddie, he’s working his socks off – no chances really made for him. The work off the ball, fantastic – same with Jesus.

“The Toney links don’t go away because you can see that’s probably the last bit in the jigsaw. It’s obvious for everyone to see that this is the last piece. He will do it if it can be done.”

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Toney signing would transform Arsenal into serious title contenders

Jesus and Nketiah have had memorable moments leading the line. Nketiah scored a superb late winner against Manchester United earlier this year.

However, the Gunners need much more from the duo to go all the way and lift the title. They have made a good start, but Manchester City remain favourites to finish top.

Toney could be the last piece of the jigsaw. He has proven his credentials in the Premier League. Last term, he netted 20 goals from 33 league matches.

His tally could only get better with more creative players around him. The 27-year-old is in the prime of his career and is valued at £80 million.

Arsenal will likely face fierce competition from Chelsea for the former Toney this winter. The Bees are open to parting ways with him following his ban for breaching FA betting rules.

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