Arsenal were interested in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney – and now he is being likened to Didier Drogba.
Toney, formerly of Newcastle, has emerged as a star in recent years.
After shining at Peterborough United, Toney smashed 33 goals for Brentford last season.
Toney is now proving himself in the Premier League, starting with bullying Arsenal on the opening day.
Toney has now scored two in his last three games, and is earning huge praise.
Arsenal’s interest in Toney
TEAMtalk reported in March that Arsenal had shown an interest in signing Toney.
A host of other Premier League clubs were interested in Toney too, but Arsenal was an intriguing link.
The Gunners have brought in English players in recent months by signing Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White.
Toney could fit the bill for Edu, who was interested in bringing Toney to Arsenal before Brentford won promotion.
With Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract next summer, 25-year-old Toney could make sense for Arsenal again in 2022.
Toney compared to Drogba
Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard has now been quoted by Football.London as saying that Toney is earning Drogba comparisons.
Norgaard claims the comparison was made in the changing room after Brentford beat Wolves 2-0.
The Dane agrees with the comparison, praising his hold-up play, passing and aerial ability.
“I heard someone in the changing room comparing Ivan with Didier Drogba. I think he looked a bit like him actually – the way he kept the ball, his first touch and his passes,” said Norgaard.
“He won every single header and he is a right player,” he added.
If Arsenal want to land a physical centre forward, Toney should remain on Edu’s list – even if he would now cost huge money.
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