Mikel Arteta’s side were mostly solid at the back, delivering another clean sheet, and the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were phenomenal up top for Arsenal.
Alan Shearer was so impressed by Saka for Arsenal, saying that he’s now almost running out of superlatives for the England international.
Of course, before the transfer window closes this month, there will still be a lot of talk about Arsenal’s need to buy a new striker, a natural goalscorer.
Although the Gunners have Havertz firing and Gabriel Jesus in reserve, many pundits and fans believe they would regret it if they didn’t sign a ‘proper’ number nine.
And in that regard, after discussing Arsenal’s win against Wolves at the weekend on ‘The Rest is Football‘ podcast, both Micah Richards and Gary Lineker agreed that Ivan Toney would still add something to Arteta’s project.
Micah Richards thinks Arsenal can buy Ivan Toney for an absolute bargain
Speaking on the podcast, Richards started the conversation, saying that he’s heard that Toney may be available for just £15m because of his contract situation.
Richards said: “You know who I’ve gone by? Ivan Toney, he was left out of the squad.
“There’s talks of him going to Saudi, and not necessarily in for their system in terms of the way Arsenal want to press in their free-flowing football at times, but just a different option on the bench.
“You know, something different to give him [Arteta] a different dynamic is what I think Arsenal [need], especially for the numbers, I think he’s got a year left on his contract.
“There was murmurs today talking about it might be only £15m.
“Like for £15m, the player was talking about £70m two seasons ago, I know he had bad form towards the end of last season when he came back from the ban.
“I get that, but in terms of what he can offer in something different for Arsenal, I think he’d be a good fit.”
Lineker then replied: “I like Ivan Toney a lot, he’s super talented.
“You’re quite right, Micah. He gives you a completely different option from what else they’ve got there, I mean he’s a real threat.
“We only need to mention his penalty taking as well, but he’s technically a really gifted footballer, so I think he’d fit in.”
Arsenal need better backup for Bukayo Saka, not Kai Havertz
Whilst Toney would be a strong addition to any Premier League squad right now, it’s hard not to conclude that Arsenal would be better off adding elsewhere.
As mentioned, Havertz has excellent backup in Jesus, but someone like Saka doesn’t have an obvious replacement on the right at the Emirates.
Yes, Reiss Nelson can come in, or Arsenal could move either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard out to the right.
However, Arteta needs someone who can cut in on their left-foot in similar fashion to Saka, a winger who can maintain a similar structure to Arsenal’s right-hand side.
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