Arsenal have begun their 2024/25 Premier League season with a bang as they beat Wolves 2-0 thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Speaking on his podcast ‘The Rest is Football’ with ex-England stars Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, the ex-City right-back said of Toney: “There’s talks of him going to Saudi, and not necessarily in for their system in terms of the way Arsenal want to press in their free-flowing football at times, but just a different option on the bench.
“There was murmurs today talking about it might be only £15m. Like for £15m, the player was talking about £70m two seasons ago, I know he had bad form towards the end of last season when he came back from the ban. I get that, but in terms of what he can offer in something different for Arsenal, I think he’d be a good fit.”
Responding to Richards’ claims, former Barcelona striker Lineker said: “I like Ivan Toney a lot, he’s super talented. He gives you a completely different option from what else they’ve got there, I mean he’s a real threat. We only need to mention his penalty taking as well, but he’s technically a really gifted footballer, so I think he’d fit in.”
It was an excellent start for Mikel Arteta’s squad who are desperately hoping it can be third time lucky as they launch another campaign to try and finally lift the trophy. However, after months of speculation and anticipation that a new striker was set to arrive in N7 this summer, no deal has yet been completed and the Gunners boss remains without his long-desired out-and-out striker.
However, according to former Manchester City and England footballer Micah Richards, it is Ivan Toney who could make the best fit at the Emirates. Not only that, but it has also been speculated that the Brentford and England frontman could be available for as little as £15 million, despite the Bees previously holding out for closer to £50m.
Only hours ago were there growing links between the 28-year-old and a move to Saudi Arabia with the Jeddah club Al-Ahli said to be preparing a £34.1m bid. While this is already significantly lower than the previously desired figure, it appears as if this price could once again drop massively.
Speaking on his podcast ‘The Rest is Football’ with ex-England stars Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, the ex-City right-back said of Toney: “There’s talks of him going to Saudi, and not necessarily in for their system in terms of the way Arsenal want to press in their free-flowing football at times, but just a different option on the bench.
“You know, something different to give him [Arteta] a different dynamic is what I think Arsenal [need], especially for the numbers, I think he’s got a year left on his contract.
“There was murmurs today talking about it might be only £15m. Like for £15m, the player was talking about £70m two seasons ago, I know he had bad form towards the end of last season when he came back from the ban. I get that, but in terms of what he can offer in something different for Arsenal, I think he’d be a good fit.”
Responding to Richards’ claims, former Barcelona striker Lineker said: “I like Ivan Toney a lot, he’s super talented. He gives you a completely different option from what else they’ve got there, I mean he’s a real threat. We only need to mention his penalty taking as well, but he’s technically a really gifted footballer, so I think he’d fit in.”
