Arsenal are reportedly keeping Ivan Toney on their radar as Mikel Arteta weighs up the future shape of his attack ahead of the January transfer window.
The Gunners are not actively trying to move Viktor Gyokeres on, but his reduced role behind Kai Havertz has created uncertainty.
Should Arsenal eventually decide to sanction an exit, Toney is among the experienced forwards being considered as a possible replacement or back-up option.
Arsenal consider Toney as experienced striker option
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal would only consider selling Gyokeres if a top-level replacement was already lined up.
Havertz remains Arteta’s preferred striker because of his movement, pressing and ability to link play, meaning any new forward would need to complement that structure rather than simply offer goals.
Toney is viewed as a potentially more attainable alternative to Julian Alvarez.
The 30-year-old has made a sensational start to the Saudi Pro League season. After scoring twice in Al-Ahli’s 3-2 defeat to Al-Qadsiah, Toney now has eight league goals this season, leaving him top of the early Golden Boot standings.
GOAL also reported that the brace came in his 100th appearance for Al-Ahli, taking his overall record for the club to 80 goals and 16 assists across all competitions.
Toney could be a practical gamble from the Gunners
Toney would not be the spectacular signing some Arsenal supporters may dream about, but there is clear logic behind the interest.
He already knows the Premier League, offers aerial strength, can hold the ball up and remains extremely reliable from the penalty spot.
He could therefore provide Arteta with a very different option from Havertz without demanding to become the unquestioned starter immediately.
The concern is age.
At 30, Toney would represent a short-term solution rather than a long-term investment, while Arsenal would also need to assess how quickly he could readjust to Premier League intensity after playing in Saudi Arabia.
Gyokeres complicates the situation further. He scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, so Arsenal should not discard him cheaply simply because Havertz currently sits ahead of him.
Still, Toney’s current form is impossible to ignore.
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