Arsenal to ‘step up’ pursuit of striker available for ‘£60m’ after Ray Parlour ‘perfect fit’ claim

Arsenal are reportedly in the market for a striker in the January transfer window and former Gunner Ray Parlour has identified a player who he believes will be the ‘perfect fit’ for Mikel Arteta and his team.

The Gunners currently have the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nkeitah leading the frontline but it is believed that Arteta would like to add a more proven goalscorer to his team, with Ivan Toney identified as a top target according to reports from the Mirror.

Jesus, Nketiah and Havertz scored a combined 22 goals in the Premier League last season, which is only slightly higher than Toney who hit 20 goals last term. The report from the Mirror adds Brentford would be willing to sell the player for around £60m.

The England international is currently suspended for Brentford as a result of gambling offences, but he has begun training ahead of his highly-anticipated return on 17 January 2024. Toney has been his team’s top scorer every year since 2018/19 both for Peterborough United and Brentford who he joined in 2020/21. The striker is hoping to feature at next summer’s European Championships in Berlin and a potential move could increase his chances of a call up.

Toney has previously spoken of his admiration for Arsenal and their style of play in an interview with Gary Neville.

Former Arsenal man Ray Parlour praised the prospect of a move for Toney during an interview with fellow Arsenal fan Piers Morgan and Brentford fan and presenter Natalie Sawyers.

Speaking on TalkSport, Parlour said: “I look at that and totally agree with you Piers [Morgan] and I don’t think Natalie’s [Sawyer] going to like it but Ivan Toney would be absolutely perfect for Arsenal.

Natalie Sawyer added: “And he’s made it known he likes the way you play as well!”

These views were echoed by TalkSport pundit Simon Jordan who criticised Nketiah and claimed that Arsenal need to upgrade that area to win the title.

The ex-Crystal Palace owner said later that day: “I think they will get better. I think also they will buy better. They’ve got the ear and the eyes of the Kroenke family. (Arsenal’s owners) are more invested than they have ever been before. And, with all due respect, you will have better players than Eddie Nketiah because they will buy bigger.”