Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has raved about reported Leeds United and Newcastle United transfer target Ivan Toney, as quoted on the club’s official website.
Arteta has been impressed by Toney’s rise to stardom, and believes that the Brentford striker being called up to the latest England squad is a great story.
Leeds and Newcastle were among the clubs who were linked with the former Peterborough United striker in the summer transfer window.
The Mirror reported in July that Newcastle, West Ham United, Leeds and Manchester United all were keen on the 26-year-old English striker.
Toney will lead the line for Brentford against Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.
Mikel Arteta on Leeds and Newcastle summer target Ivan Toney
Arteta said about Toney getting an England call-up: “I think it’s a great story. This country has had stories like this in the last few seasons – the same with Jamie Vardy – and I think it is extraordinary.
“It means that again, the opportunities are open for everybody. That it is just about showing consistency showing quality and belief. It can happen at any age and isn’t something that is determined already.
“If you don’t go through that phase in that period of life, you can still become a professional player, a top player, and an international player, so I think it’s a great thing.”
Stats
Toney, a former Newcastle United striker, has been superb in recent years, and there is no surprise that Leeds and the Magpies were interested in the striker this summer.
The 26-year-old has scored five goals and given two assists in six Premier League appearances for the Bees so far this season.
Toney scored 12 goals and gave five assists in the Premier League last season, and scored 33 goals and provided 10 assists in the Championship in 2020-21.
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