Chris Sutton has advised Arsenal against signing Ivan Toney in the January transfer window, instead recommending Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke as a better fit for the Gunners' title ambitions. Toney, who is serving an eight-month ban for breaching betting rules, is set to return on January 16, but Sutton questions his match sharpness after a lengthy absence.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton said: 'Arsenal are trying to win the title, so they haven't got time to wait for anyone to get up to speed. If we are looking at the names that are supposedly within their grasp, Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke stands out as the best candidate.' Solanke has scored 12 goals in 18 Premier League appearances this season, including a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, and has been instrumental in Bournemouth's unbeaten run of seven matches.
Sutton also highlighted the financial disparity between the two players: Solanke is valued at around £50 million, while Toney is reportedly worth £100 million. Brentford manager Thomas Frank has expressed his desire to keep Toney, especially after Bryan Mbeumo's three-month injury layoff. 'To get Ivan back will be like signing an unbelievably good striker, who is proven in the Premier League,' Frank said.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options to maintain their title challenge, with the club currently trailing Liverpool and facing pressure from Manchester City. Toney has been a long-term target, but Sutton believes Solanke's current form and lower cost make him the more pragmatic choice.
