West Ham’s Michail Antonio has made a bold statement, advocating for Arsenal’s pursuit of Brentford’s Ivan Toney in the January transfer window, suggesting that the Gunners should be prepared to invest a whopping £100 million in securing the forward’s services, especially amidst reported interest from Chelsea.
Antonio firmly expressed his belief that Toney’s goal-scoring prowess has the potential to elevate Arsenal’s performances, asserting that the Brentford attacker could deliver a remarkable 20 goals per season, a crucial element in their quest for the Premier League title. The West Ham star emphasized that while Toney’s inclusion in the team would require adaptation, given his distinctive playing style compared to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, the investment in Toney would be an indispensable asset for Mikel Arteta’s side.
During an appearance on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio articulated, “I believe that, to Arsenal, he is worth £100million. He’s just that guy who’s always there, always in the right place, and constantly puts it in the back of the net. I feel like that’s what they’re missing from their title race. They need someone that’s going to give them 20 goals, and I believe that if he goes to Arsenal he will get them 20 goals. The difference, I would say, between him, Jesus and Nketiah, is I’m not too sure he could drop in as much as Jesus does, Nketiah does. But that is for Arteta to work out.”
The endorsement from Antonio underscores the widespread recognition of Toney’s exceptional abilities, signaling the forward’s growing stature and impact within the Premier League. Such an endorsement from a fellow professional carries significant weight, reflecting Toney’s substantial talent and the influence he commands among his peers.
Furthermore, Antonio’s vocal support for Toney also resonates with Tim Sherwood’s prior encouragement for West Ham to pursue the Brentford striker, acknowledging the conspicuous caliber and potential of the prolific forward. However, with Toney’s hefty price tag and the notable interest from high-profile title-contenders, the likelihood of a transfer now appears increasingly complex and formidable for any potential suitor.
Meanwhile, Barry Fry’s revelation regarding West Ham’s previous rejection of a £10 million deal for Toney prior to his move to Brentford underscores the subsequent ascendancy and value appreciation of the player, signifying a missed opportunity for the Hammers given Toney’s impressive development and potential economic implications of his potential departure.
In sum, Antonio’s resounding endorsement, combined with past interest from other clubs and the player’s substantial growth, reinforces the widespread acknowledgment of Toney’s prowess, thereby underscoring the evolving landscape and dynamics shaping the potential trajectory of his career.