Tottenham have been backed to snatch Ivan Toney from under the noses of north London rivals Arsenal. Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Spurs will be in strong contention to sign the striker if they are still in the Premier League title race come January.
Tottenham and Arsenal are currently level on points at the top of the table. Both sides have identical records in terms of picking up six wins and two draws from their opening eight matches of the season.
Spurs have exceeded all expectations under Ange Postecoglou so far as many thought they would struggle following the departure of Harry Kane. Postecoglou brought in Brennan Johnson late in the summer window but the Wales star is not a like-for-like replacement for the England skipper.
Toney could be an option for clubs in January, once his ban for breaching the FA’s betting rules is over. The Mirror claimed last month that the 27-year-old was firmly in the sights of Arsenal.
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It was reported that Mikel Arteta wants to sign a proven goalscorer who can also add a physical presence up front and Toney would provide that. The Gunners may have made a move in the summer had Toney not been suspended.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright recently told the Stick to Football podcast that Toney would be the final piece of the jigsaw at Arsenal. Agbonlahor agrees, telling talkSPORT: “They have to. [Eddie] Nketiah is a decent striker to bring on with 15 minutes [to go], he’s not your main striker.
“Gabriel Jesus, good on the ball, good at linking but he’s not strong enough holding the ball up, he’s not getting into the spots where you get tap-ins, he’s not going to get those headers as well. So I think Ian Wright is totally right, whoever is serious about the title in January, go get him.”
However, Agbonlahor has also warned Arsenal that Spurs will also be in the race for Toney. He claims Victor Osimhen, linked with an exit from Napoli, would be too expensive for both north London sides.
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The former Aston Villa captain claims Spurs have to add more depth up top, especially if they are still near the top of the table come January. Agbonlahor added: “No one will be able to afford [Oshimen], he’ll be something silly, £140/150million.
“But, do Spurs go and get Toney? If Spurs come to January and they’re in a title race… What if [Heung-min] Son got injured, touch wood it doesn’t happen, or [James] Maddison, what then?
“You’ve got Richarlison, he can’t score, the young lad Johnson will do OK. I think whoever’s serious about this title challenge, go and get Toney.”
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