Brentford striker Ivan Toney is reportedly dreaming of the possibility of joining Arsenal next year once his suspension is over.
The Gunners are unlikely to be able to pay big money to sign the strike in the January transfer window but remain interested in him.
They might end up making a move to sign him next summer and bolster their strike force for the 2024/25 season instead.
With that being said, here are two ways Arsenal can line up with Toney and the rest of the members of Mikel Arteta’s current squad.
Option 1: Replaces Gabi Jesus
Toney will be signed for his goal-scoring heroics after having scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League games last season. He is an excellent box striker and extremely efficient in finishing off chances.
Toney is ideal for the no.9 role in Arteta’s current 4-3-3 system, and might end up benching Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah if he joins next year.
Option 2: In a two-man frontline
The good thing about Toney is that he can actually also operate in a two-man forward line. That means if placed in a 4-4-2 system with Jesus beside him, he can actually cause a lot of problems.
Arteta doesn’t really use this system much at all, but could do it occasionally if able to sign Toney – in situations where Arsenal are really in need of goals. With Toney, Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all rushing forward, the Gunners can be a nightmare for any opposition backline.
