‘I remember’ - Arsene Wenger protege reveals why Ivan Toney would be perfect for Arsenal

Theo Walcott believes signing an established striker would improve Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal. Talk about a new number nine has dominated the transfer agenda all season. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have struggled to find the net, bagging just four and five Premier League goals respectively.

In the Champions League defeat to Porto, the Gunners failed to register a shot on target - leading critics to slam Arsenal’s ruthless streak. Leandro Trossard played through the middle but struggled to make an impact before being hooked.

A potential move for Ivan Toney has circulated given his top-flight experience and solid goal return. With just one year left on his contract, there is hope Arsenal could tempt the Brentford striker to North London.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live, former Gunners star Walcott hinted at him being an ideal option to lead the line. He also referenced his time at the Emirates, noting how a natural striker could help other players in attack.

“I am a big fan of a certain Brentford striker who I won’t name,” Walcott said. “Missing Jesus tonight as well who is a different sort of number nine, again, there’s no one else to call upon. Kai Havertz is not a striker. He’s done really well but I don’t think he’s a standard number nine.

“That is something I feel that Edu and Mikel will be discussing in the summer, I’m pretty sure about that. I know we’re talking about someone who is not at the club but you play differently with certain players up front. I remember playing with Giroud up front. I played differently. Having a big man up front, the wingers would bounce it off him. Saka and Martinelli would have an absolute field day.”