Mikel Arteta didn't want Arsenal to sign Ivan Toney because it was feared he'd disrupt the squad's chemistry, it's been claimed.
After coming up short to Manchester City for a second successive season, it seemed the Gunners were going to target an out-and-out striker in the summer transfer window. Kai Havertz hit a rich vein of form towards the end of the campaign.
But he'd also been utilised in midfield, while Gabriel Jesus managed just four Premier League goals. Entering the final year of his Brentford contract, Toney was certainly in the conversation as a target.
As the window progressed, it became increasingly apparent that a new frontman wasn't on the agenda at the Emirates and Arteta's summer funds were ultimately invested elsewhere, backing his current forward options to deliver.
According to The Independent, he went off Toney in particular as an option because he didn't think he'd fit in with the group dynamic. Part of his turnaround of the club has been instilling a team-centric mentality, working as a unit to achieve their title aspirations.
He wasn't convinced the England international would be pulling in that same direction. That sentiment is one that was previously shared by Arsenal insider Teamnewsandtix earlier this year.
Speaking to Charles Watts in June, he said of the club hierarchy's thoughts on Toney: "They don’t like him. They met him and didn’t like him.
"When he signed with his agency in August last year, they said ‘what do you want,’ he said ‘get back playing, get back in the England squad and move to a big club, preferably Arsenal’. He saw himself fitting in as the No. 9.
"He thought he would get tons of goals and he thought he’d suit the system. They met him and they purely didn’t like him. With Toney, there’s just stacks of evidence of a personality that you’d imagine Arteta didn’t want around the squad.”
After failing to find his desired move to a top six Premier League side, Toney signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli on deadline day. Mirror Footballexclusively revealed he'll earn £403,000 a week - the equivalent of £800,000 pre-tax in the UK.
nunciknpr
1
Well-done Tony get your money football career is too short, u're among the best strikers, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang said Arteta can't handle big players,,everything ManCity throw away he picks up nd bring to Arsenal,,
lawrence4jesus
0
how are you guys watching the match for you guys to give this kind of analysis
lawrence4jesus
0
He has problems with black color players. History is there to reference. I hope not signing a striker will not hurt them this season. It’s very clear Liverpool and Man City re Arsenal’s main rivals this season.
just short up if don't know what to say
Nihbertuz
1
Premier league is not the only competition arsenal are into we have champions league and the rest we need Ivan toney as a backup, check up the like of man City whom they have multiple good players as substitute in every position but arsenal doesn't have bench in case of fatigue.
kolonegooner
0
Good move .... I don't like his attitude either....comes across as arrogant, chip on the shoulder type, doesn't fit the Arsenal DNA.... you just can't plug any and any bloke in the System that's being built
hinbelnrtz
0
Saliba, Gabriel,saka,party,Jesus are all white in complexion i presumed
You can say that again
Fudge007
2
DWL CHEMISTRY😅🤔😂 BRO JUST DON'T LIKE HIM🤷🏿
besadimstz
0
have you seen Havertz's stats up front or are you blind. on current form he's one of the best in the world so spending big money there would have been useless considering that we have strengthened every other area of the squad.
So havertz has a nice stats for you? So what would you say about palmar who is a Winger or foden who is also a Winger... He's not the profile arsenal need in that front of goal... He's not a threat. He was there last season and each match we begs him to score... Also against Brighton he missed that chance. Are u blind to see these or are u just OK with hardship?
Ubong12
0
Stupid Arteta out with your useless Havertz
Your name is has hard as your hatred on him
Ubong12
0
He has problems with black color players. History is there to reference. I hope not signing a striker will not hurt them this season. It’s very clear Liverpool and Man City re Arsenal’s main rivals this season.
Arteta signed Partey, Williams, saliba etc, if you can't remember
Ubong12
0
Saliba, Gabriel,saka,party,Jesus are all white in complexion i presumed
You're being sarcastic right??
Ubong12
0
Arteta is very stupid, he don't know what he is doing! It's better he didn't sign the merino and calafiory and bag ont top striker! Goykores is still there, Watkins is also there, Ivan toney... Same thing he did last season leaving Madison,kudus,diaby or tielemans and ended up with havertz as if we need him
Bro, he is the manager and decides who fits in, like he said, he doesn't think toney fits his style, it doesn't mean toney is bad, and it doesn't mean Arteta won't sign an out-and-out striker someday even havertz is there.
ruubcmnory
0
He has problems with black color players. History is there to reference. I hope not signing a striker will not hurt them this season. It’s very clear Liverpool and Man City re Arsenal’s main rivals this season.
saliba, Gabriel, timber, saka, jesus, partey, sterling
ruubcmnory
0
Stupid Arteta out with your useless Havertz
have you seen his stats as a 9 or are you blind
ruubcmnory
0
Arteta is very stupid, he don't know what he is doing! It's better he didn't sign the merino and calafiory and bag ont top striker! Goykores is still there, Watkins is also there, Ivan toney... Same thing he did last season leaving Madison,kudus,diaby or tielemans and ended up with havertz as if we need him
have you seen Havertz's stats up front or are you blind. on current form he's one of the best in the world so spending big money there would have been useless considering that we have strengthened every other area of the squad.
besadimstz
3
Arteta is very stupid, he don't know what he is doing! It's better he didn't sign the merino and calafiory and bag ont top striker! Goykores is still there, Watkins is also there, Ivan toney... Same thing he did last season leaving Madison,kudus,diaby or tielemans and ended up with havertz as if we need him
zohbeosy
0
He has problems with black color players. History is there to reference. I hope not signing a striker will not hurt them this season. It’s very clear Liverpool and Man City re Arsenal’s main rivals this season.
must you type ?
hinbelnrtz
0
Saliba, Gabriel,saka,party,Jesus are all white in complexion i presumed
Kesadlor
0
good chemistry meaning no goals
Darey102
0
He has problems with black color players. History is there to reference. I hope not signing a striker will not hurt them this season. It’s very clear Liverpool and Man City re Arsenal’s main rivals this season.
You are blind to see how white saka is and how yellow Raheem is too
darlynton2012
3
He has problems with black color players. History is there to reference. I hope not signing a striker will not hurt them this season. It’s very clear Liverpool and Man City re Arsenal’s main rivals this season.
royaltyking
0
Stupid Arteta out with your useless Havertz
Clueless fan 😂😂😂
kudknrsuz
3
Stupid Arteta out with your useless Havertz