Paul Scholes encouraged Arsenal to recruit Ivan Toney before the summer transfer window ends, revealing what the Gunners are “missing” to win the Premier League.
After placing second consecutive seasons, Arsenal will aim to improve this year and win the English championship for the first time since 2004.
To assist Mikel Arteta in leading Arsenal to greater heights, the Emirates management approved a transfer for Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori and extended David Raya’s loan.
Along with being connected to other elite attackers, the Gunners are also nearing a move for Mikel Merino, a midfielder for Spain.
One of those is Brentford talisman Toney and Scholes believes he would thrive in north London and ‘score 25 goals in this Arsenal team’.
Interest has slightly dwindled in Toney since his return from an eight-month betting ban but Scholes believes he could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arsenal boss Arteta.
Brentford valued Toney at around £75m just a few months ago but have reportedly slashed their asking price as a number of possible suitors have withdrawn their interest.
Asked whether Arsenal lack the firepower in the final third needed to win the title, Scholes said 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.’
Toney was part of the England squad that reached the Euro 2024 final earlier this summer but barely played in Germany, though he did provide a crucial assist in a knockout game and score in the penalty shootout against Switzerland.
Despite coming so close to ending their wait for a Premier League title, Scholes believes Arsenal are ‘missing’ the mentality required to become champions.
The ex-Manchester United and England midfielder believes that was on display towards the end of last season when Arsenal drew with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium and appeared ‘delighted’ with the result.
‘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 kick-start their 2024-25 Premier League campaign on August 17 with a home match against Wolves.