Ivan Toney has jokingly suggested Arsenal should consider deploying Declan Rice as a striker after his latest match-winning performance. The former Brentford forward commented on Rice's Instagram post following the midfielder's brace against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Rice scored twice in the second half at the Vitality Stadium, helping Arsenal secure a 3-2 victory and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Evanilson had put Bournemouth ahead, but Gabriel equalised before Rice took centre stage, netting in the 70th and 80th minutes. Eli Junior Kroupi scored a late consolation for the hosts.
Toney, who now plays for Al-Ahli after leaving Brentford in 2024, wrote on Rice's post: 'Get him upfront,' accompanied by two heart-eyed emojis. Other players also reacted, with Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber posting 'My bro,' Aston Villa's Matty Cash calling it a 'Joke,' and England women's star Chloe Kelly adding 'Too good.'
The 26-year-old Rice has now scored four goals and provided five assists in 19 Premier League appearances this season. Arsenal boast 15 wins, three draws and just two defeats in the league, sitting six points clear of second-placed Aston Villa and seven ahead of Manchester City.
Arsenal's next fixture is a home match against Liverpool on Thursday, January 8, before a busy schedule including FA Cup and League Cup ties against Portsmouth and Chelsea, plus Champions League matches against Inter Milan and Kairat.
