Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Ivan Toney ahead of the January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta considers reshaping his forward line. Kai Havertz has led the line so far this season, having already found the net twice in three Premier League outings, yet the Gunners are still weighing up whether a recognised centre-forward is needed alongside him.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are not actively pushing Viktor Gyokeres towards the exit, but the Swede’s diminished role behind Havertz has fuelled speculation about his long-term future in north London. Should the club eventually sanction a sale, Toney is understood to be among the experienced options being considered as a replacement.
Toney Thriving in Saudi Arabia
The 30-year-old has enjoyed a productive spell since leaving Brentford for Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024, netting eight times in just six league appearances this term. That kind of scoring rate, allied to his proven pedigree in English football, makes him an appealing option for a side that has already lost Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona this year.
Why He Could Suit Arsenal
Gyokeres has often looked uncomfortable with the physical demands of the Premier League, lacking the sharpness in the box that made him so prolific at Sporting Lisbon. Toney, by contrast, offers a battle-tested profile who wouldn’t need time to adapt to English football’s intensity.
Financially, he also looks a sensible gamble. Transfermarkt values him at around £17 million, a modest outlay by modern Premier League standards, though Al-Ahli may resist selling their top scorer midway through their season.
In my view, Arsenal would be wise to treat this as squad insurance rather than a guaranteed marquee arrival — Toney’s age and the difficulty of prising him away in January could easily see this interest cool before deadline day.
