Former Arsenal star reveals why gunners signing Ivan Toney could backfire

Former Arsenal player Bacary Sagna has expressed reservations about the potential signing of Ivan Toney by Arsenal, attributing his concerns to the physical challenges the striker might face upon returning to the Premier League. Toney, who has been out of action for the first half of the season due to suspension, has caught the attention of Arsenal as a potential transfer target. Sagna, while acknowledging Toney’s talent and the attributes that could benefit Arsenal, emphasized the uncertainties related to adjusting to the demanding Premier League environment after a prolonged absence from competitive matches.

Sagna told The Daily Mirror, “I like Ivan Toney. I think he is a very talented player. It will be interesting to see how he comes back after missing the first half of the season through suspension.” He continued, “How will he be able to deal with the physicality of the Premier League after a six-month absence?”

Drawing attention to the disparity between training and competitive matches, Sagna articulated his apprehensions, stating, “I know that he has been training, but training and playing in competitive games are very, very different. That would be my only concern if Arsenal were looking at signing him.” Despite these reservations, Sagna affirmed Toney’s quality, describing him as a strong, adept striker capable of contributing to Arsenal’s efforts. “He definitely has the quality to play for Arsenal. He is a top striker who is strong, holds the ball up well, and can score goals,” Sagna noted.

As Arsenal positions itself for the challenges of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, the potential inclusion of Ivan Toney assumes significance in the context of the team’s aspirations. With Arsenal currently occupying the 4th position on the Premier League table with 40 points after 20 league games, the deliberations surrounding Toney’s possible acquisition highlight the complexities and considerations guiding the club’s transfer endeavors. In weighing the prospective impact of Toney’s addition to Arsenal’s ranks, the confluence of talent, adaptability, and the rigors of the Premier League forms a pertinent backdrop to the evolving transfer dynamics and the team’s competitive ambitions.