Paul Scholes has identified what Arsenal need to clinch the Premier League title and has urged the Gunners to sign Ivan Toney before the summer transfer window closes.
Arsenal aim to surpass their recent back-to-back second-place finishes and become English champions for the first time since 2004.
To help Mikel Arteta elevate Arsenal to the next level, the club’s hierarchy has sanctioned the signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and made David Raya’s loan move permanent.
The Gunners are also reported to be closing in on a deal for Spain midfielder Mikel Merino, while they continue to be linked with several prominent strikers.
Among them is Brentford’s star forward Ivan Toney, whom Scholes believes would thrive in north London and “score 25 goals in this Arsenal team.”
Interest in Toney has waned slightly since his return from an eight-month betting ban, but Scholes feels he could be the final piece of the puzzle for Arteta.
While Brentford had valued Toney at around £75 million a few months ago, they have reportedly reduced their asking price as several potential suitors have pulled out.
Discussing Arsenal’s need for firepower in the final third to secure the title, Scholes commented on The Overlap: “It’s hard to say they’ve not got enough up there because of the amount of goals they scored [last season].
“It was ridiculous, but I do think signing a centre forward would help.
“Signing an out and out number nine who will guarantee you 25 goals, obviously that would help.
“Are those players out there?
“Ivan Toney has been mentioned a lot, I think he scores 25 goals in that Arsenal team.
“I think he scores 25 goals in a lot of teams.”
“Man City are still clearly the best team but Arsenal are not far away,” Scholes added.
“I think the thing they’re missing is that little bit of mentality.
“Sometimes you have to go to your title rivals and win.
“I remember watching the game when Arsenal went to Man City and City were struggling a bit.
“Arsenal went there and played for a draw and they were delighted with the draw.
“If they won there they would have won the league.
“That would have killed Man City, destroyed them.”
Arsenal will kick off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign on August 17 with a home match against Wolves.
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