Tottenham and Arsenal could lock horns in transfer battle for Premier League striker to boost title hopes

Pundit and former Premier League player Gabby Agbonlahor has stressed that both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur should make an effort to sign Ivan Toney in the January transfer window.

Toney is currently under the constraints of a footballing ban, as a result of a series of gambling offences. However, this ban is due to be lifted on January 16, 2024.

The two rivals could go head-to-head in a bidding war for the Brentford striker in January. But which of the two needs him more than the other?

What did Gabby Agbonlahor say regarding Ivan Toney?

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: “They [Arsenal] have to [make a bid for Toney]. [Eddie] Nketiah is a decent striker to bring on with 15 minutes [to go], he’s not your main striker.

“Gabriel Jesus, good on the ball, good at linking but he’s not strong enough holding the ball up, he’s not getting into the spots where you get tap-ins, he’s not going to get those headers as well. But, do Spurs go and get Toney? If Spurs come to January and they’re in a title race…”

Do Arsenal or Tottenham need Ivan Toney?

While both Arsenal and Tottenham would benefit from bringing Toney on board, Spurs are in more desperate need of an out-and-out centre-forward currently.

Arsenal have two natural strikers in their ranks, as mentioned by Agbonlahor - Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus. While they are both fine players, neither have had a season where they have scored more than 15 goals in the Premier League.

It would certainly benefit Arsenal to bring a free-scoring forward to the club - but for Spurs, it is vital to their title chances. They currently have no natural strikers - Heung-min Son and Richarlison have been functioning as auxiliary centre-forwards instead.

While Son has been doing an excellent job as a number nine, scoring six goals so far in the Premier League, he is still a natural winger. Bringing in Toney, with his wonderful movement, brilliant technical ability and sniper-like finishing, could propel them to the title this season.