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Paul Merson, a former Arsenal player, has urged the Gunners to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney, despite the player’s past run-ins with the club. Toney, who has been in impressive form for Brentford this season, has previously made comments about Arsenal‘s lack of success and has expressed his desire to play for their London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
While some Arsenal fans may be hesitant to embrace a player who has shown indifference towards their club in the past, Merson believes that Toney’s talent on the pitch should override any off-field concerns. In an interview with the Daily Star, Merson said, “If I was at Arsenal now, I’d be screaming to sign him. He’s a goalscorer and that’s what they need.”
Merson is not alone in his assessment of Toney’s abilities. The 25-year-old has been in sensational form this season, scoring 22 goals and providing 10 assists in 31 Championship appearances. His performances have helped Brentford push for promotion to the Premier League and have attracted the attention of several top-flight clubs.
Arsenal have been struggling for goals this season, with club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang experiencing a dip in form and summer signing Willian failing to make an impact. The Gunners have also been without a natural striker for much of the campaign, with Alexandre Lacazette often playing out of position as a lone forward.
Toney’s arrival at Arsenal would provide the team with some much-needed firepower and give manager Mikel Arteta more options up front. The striker’s ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play would also be a valuable asset to the Gunners, who have often looked toothless in attack.
Of course, there are risks involved in signing any player, especially one with a history of making controversial comments. But Arsenal have shown in the past that they are willing to take chances on players who may not have the most squeaky-clean reputations. The likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Bacary Sagna were signed by the Gunners despite having polarizing reputations among fans of their former clubs.
Whether Arsenal decide to pursue Toney remains to be seen, but there is no denying that the striker’s ability to find the back of the net would be a welcome addition to the team. With the club currently sitting in midtable and struggling to keep up with the Premier League’s top teams, a player like Toney could be the spark they need to turn their season around.
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