Jermaine Pennant has expressed his support for the potential signing of Ivan Toney by Arsenal in 2024, suggesting that the Brentford striker could become the Gunners’ “modern era Ian Wright.” Toney, who is currently serving a ban until January 16 for breaching the FA’s betting rules, has been linked with a move to Arsenal during the upcoming winter transfer window. The English forward showcased his exceptional skills last season, scoring 21 goals and providing five assists in 35 appearances for Brentford. Pennant, a former Arsenal winger, likened Toney to the legendary Ian Wright, who scored 168 goals in 269 appearances for the club.
According to Pennant, “Toney would be a fantastic signing. He’s a proven goalscorer at Brentford, a great finisher with great work rate and is a brilliant asset to the team. In a team like Arsenal where they can control the game, he would be the absolute perfect fit – he would be like a modern era Ian Wright. I would be shocked if Arsenal didn’t go out and get him this season.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Arsenal is currently performing well in the Premier League, sitting in the second position behind arch-rivals Tottenham. Pennant believes that Arsenal should now aim to challenge for the title, having narrowly missed out on the Premier League crown to Manchester City in the 2022-23 season.
“Arsenal should have the mindset now to challenge for, and expect to win, the league title year in year out,” Pennant emphasized. “Now Arsenal have to win something. Having gone so close already to winning the league, they have to go one better and win a trophy. There is no shame in losing the league to Man City – who are a juggernaut of a club – but it’s no good being second fiddle and winning nothing. Arsenal must keep pushing them, and the expectation at the least is to push Man City all the way to the end. Along the way, hopefully, Arsenal can clinch a trophy – I can see Arsenal winning the FA Cup this year.”