FORMER Arsenal star Mikael Silvestre revealed Mikel Arteta should sign striker Victor Osimhen instead of Ivan Toney.
The Spaniard is desperate for a “more complete striker” after his side were knocked out of the FA Cup in their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Getty – ContributorMikael Silvestre revealed what striker Mikel Arteta should sign[/caption]
AlamySilvestre revealed Arsenal should not sign Ivan Toney[/caption]
GettyThe former Arsenal star prefers Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as a No9 option for the Gunners[/caption]
Toney prepares to return from his eight-month suspension for breaching FA betting rules.
And the Englishman has been linked with a move to North London this month.
But Silvestre believes the Bee’s £100million asking price for the soon-to-be 28-year-old is way too high.
He told GGRecon: “£100 million is extremely high. I know goalscorers are very rare, but that’s too much money for Ivan. I don’t believe that price is a true reflection of his quality.”
However, Osimhen, 25, who has a reported £112million release clause in his contract would be a better value for money for Arteta‘s side.
He continued: “In my eyes, Victor’s a more complete striker than Ivan Toney. I believe his style would be better suited to Arsenal too.
“As soon as Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille, he needed six months to adapt and then after that, he became a real threat and scored a lot of goals.
“He was key to Napoli winning the Serie A title last season and for the reasons I’ve provided, I would prefer Arsenal to sign Osimhen over Ivan Toney.”
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The Napoli star bagged 26 goals last season, helping the Italian club win their first Serie A title in 33 years.
This season he has continued his sensational form with seven goals and two assists in just 13 league games.
And after Arsenal’s exit from the FA Cup it is clear they need a No9 to fire in some goals.
Arteta’s side have one win in their last seven in all competitions, but more worryingly, have had 48 shots in their last two home outings without hitting the back of the net.
The Spaniard has tried three different strikers in their last three games, producing just one goal: Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz.
Silvestre believes the Gunners should be prioritising bringing in a striker this month.
He added: “Considering the lack of effectiveness from the front three or four, I believe a striker will be the priority for Arsenal in the January transfer window.”