3 reasons why Arsenal should not try to sign Ivan Toney
By Kenneth Daly
2. He is not needed (thanks to Kai Havertz…)
The most unpopular man in north London (for some) has rendered any Toney move unnecessary.
For years before Havertz (basically, since Olivier Giroud left in 2018), Arsenal did not have a tall offensive outlet who could compete in aerial duels or hold the ball in advanced areas and relieve pressure on the backline – an absence that limited our tactical flexibility.
Now, following the 24-year-old’s summer arrival, we already have someone capable of executing these tasks and do not need to splash out on an expensive clone.
The jury is still very much out on Havertz, but his data from last season shows he gives us way more than just goals (if used as a centre forward) and can offer similar advantages to Toney. His 79 aerial duels won in 2022/23 was bettered by only three players (excluding defenders- although Toney is one who did), and a success rate of 57.2% ranks number one among his non-defender peers (Opta Analyst).
Additionally, only two strikers (Harry Kane and Leandro Trossard) created more chances in open play than Havertz (33) last campaign, while his ability to link play in tight areas is as good as anyone else’s in the division.
Toney would be a good signing as he boasts the physicality, playmaking and aerial threat to bolster our attack, but Havertz is already here and shares many of the Brentford striker’s attributes.
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