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 by Liverpool on Sunday.
Toney prepares to return from his eight-month suspension for breaching FA betting rules.
And the Brentford striker, 27, has been linked with a move to North London this month.
But Silvestre believes the Bees’ £100million asking price for the one-cap England centre-forward is way too high.
He told GGRecon: “I think £100m 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.”
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However, Osimhen, 25, who has a reported £112m 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 proper goalscorer.
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 – Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz – but they have scored just one goal, by Bukayo Saka at Fulham.
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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
