Arsenal considering January swoop for Ivan Toney as Arteta eyes new number nine

Arsenal are weighing a January move for Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, according to TEAMtalk. The 30-year-old is valued at £17m by Transfermarkt and has scored eight goals in six Saudi Pro League games this season, with Mikel Arteta keen to add a proven number nine despite Kai Havertz's strong start.

  • Player: Ivan Toney, 30, currently at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League
  • Valuation: £17m (Transfermarkt)
  • Form: eight goals in six league outings this season
  • Window: January transfer window
  • Arsenal's need: a new number nine, with Gabriel Jesus sold to Barcelona and Viktor Gyokeres out of the starting XI
  • Obstacles: Al-Ahli's willingness to sell mid-season and Toney's current salary

Deal details

Arsenal's interest in Toney is at the enquiry stage, with no formal bid reported. He is valued at £17m on Transfermarkt, making him an affordable option for the Gunners. However, any move would depend on Al-Ahli agreeing to sell their chief marksman midway through the season.

Toney currently earns a salary that Arsenal are unlikely to match in full. The striker may need to accept a pay-cut to return to England. No fee has been agreed and no formal approach has been confirmed by either club.

The numbers

  • Eight goals in six league outings for Al-Ahli this season
  • £17m Transfermarkt valuation
  • Two goals in three Premier League games for Kai Havertz this season
  • Toney is 30 years old
  • He joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024

Why Arsenal want an experienced number nine

Kai Havertz has been Arsenal's primary centre forward this season and has rewarded Arteta's faith with two goals in three Premier League games. Despite that return, the Gunners continue to explore options for a new number nine, with Viktor Gyokeres having lost his place in the starting eleven after struggling with the physicality and intensity of the Premier League.

Gyokeres' movement in the box has not been as dynamic or impactful as it was during his time at Sporting Lisbon. With Gabriel Jesus sold to Barcelona and doubts over Gyokeres' continuity at the club, Arsenal's interest in adding striking depth is no surprise.

Ivan Toney offers a proven English football background and a consistent goalscoring record at the top level. His signing would give Arteta an experienced alternative who is still delivering in front of goal, while his £17m valuation makes him a financially sensible option. The main question is whether Al-Ahli would sell in January and whether Toney would accept reduced terms to join a project as exciting as Arsenal's.

Talking points

  • Is Toney at 30 the right profile for an Arsenal side that has already invested in younger forwards, or does his experience make him the ideal short-term fix?
  • Havertz has scored two in three league games, so would Toney actually start ahead of him, or is this purely about squad depth for the second half of the season?
  • Would Toney accept a significant pay-cut to leave Saudi Arabia? His current salary may be the biggest obstacle to any deal.
  • Should Arsenal prioritise a younger number nine instead of a 30-year-old whose last Premier League football came in 2024?

What happens next

Arsenal will continue to assess their striking options ahead of the January window. The immediate focus is on Al-Ahli's stance: if the Saudi club refuse to sell their chief marksman mid-season, the move will not progress. If they are open to a deal, Toney must decide whether a return to England and a potential pay-cut appeal. Arsenal's next Premier League fixtures will also influence how urgently Arteta moves for a new number nine.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arsenal signing Ivan Toney in January?

Arsenal are interested in signing Toney from Al-Ahli, according to TEAMtalk, but no deal has been agreed and it depends on Al-Ahli's willingness to sell.

How much would Ivan Toney cost Arsenal?

Toney is valued at £17m on Transfermarkt, making him an affordable option for the Gunners.

Why do Arsenal want a new striker when Kai Havertz is scoring?

Despite Havertz's two goals in three Premier League games, Arsenal continue to explore options for a new number nine, with doubts over Viktor Gyokeres after he fell out of the starting XI.

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