Wright's insightful observations, emphasise the pressing need for a prolific striker at Arsenal
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has made a bold proclamation, suggesting that the Gunners can only vie for the Premier League title this season if they secure the services of Ivan Toney in the January transfer window.
Wright's statement came during an episode of The Overlap's Stick To Football podcast with Sky Bet, where he analysed the pressing issues Arsenal face in their quest for glory.
"We spread goals out last season, and it took us to a certain place," Wright began, dissecting Arsenal's attacking dynamics. "I think with Toney, the links won't go away as it's blatantly obvious to see, that focal point, that player who scores, that takes you somewhere else."
Wright's argument centres on the need for a prolific striker who can consistently convert the chances created by Arsenal's attack. He acknowledged the efforts of current strikers Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus but raised concerns about missed opportunities, exemplified by Jesus' chance in the recent North London Derby.
"For a player of that calibre to be in that position 1-0 up, those chances have to be buried," he emphasised, underlining the fine margins in modern football.
Despite praising the work ethic of Nketiah and Jesus, Wright contends that Mikel Arteta's Gunners require an additional dimension to their attacking prowess, which he believes Ivan Toney can provide.
It's worth noting that Toney, who scored 20 goals for Brentford last season, is currently serving an eight-month ban from football after admitting to 232 betting offences. He is set to make his return to the pitch from January 16, 2023, onward.
When the Premier League returns, Arsenal face a challenging fixture against Chelsea on October 21, followed by a home clash with Sheffield United. The upcoming months, particularly the January transfer window, may prove crucial in determining the Gunners' title aspirations, as they weigh the potential addition of Ivan Toney to their ranks.