Arsenal are considering Ivan Toney as a possible replacement for Viktor Gyökeres if the Sweden striker’s reduced role under Mikel Arteta eventually leads to an exit in January.
The Gunners are not currently seeking to sell Gyökeres, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season. However, Kai Havertz remains Arteta’s preferred central forward, leaving uncertainty over how the former Sporting striker fits into the manager’s plans.
TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal would only sanction a deal for Gyökeres if an elite replacement had already been secured. The club are understood to be reluctant to weaken their squad unless the incoming striker can make an immediate impact.
Ivan Toney emerges as Arsenal striker option
Toney is viewed as a more attainable alternative to Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, who is considered a closer tactical fit for Havertz’s role but remains a difficult target.
Sources cited by TEAMtalk indicate that Toney would be regarded as a like-for-like replacement for Gyökeres rather than a player capable of displacing Havertz. His physical presence, penalty-box movement and ability to lead the line would nevertheless give Arsenal a different option in attack.
The 30-year-old has made an outstanding start to the Saudi Pro League season with Al-Ahli. He scored twice in the 3-2 defeat by Al-Qadsiah on Tuesday, September 8, taking his league tally to eight goals and leaving him at the top of the early Golden Boot standings.
The match also marked Toney’s 100th appearance for Al-Ahli. Since joining the Saudi club from Brentford in 2024, he has scored 80 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions, according to Opta figures reported by Goal.
Toney’s previous Premier League experience would make him a relatively straightforward adaptation in footballing terms. He offers aerial strength, holds the ball up effectively and is a proven penalty taker, qualities that could complement Arsenal’s existing attacking options.
There would, however, be questions over the length and cost of any potential deal. Toney would represent a short-term solution at 30, while Arsenal would also need to assess how quickly he could readjust to the intensity of the Premier League after two seasons in Saudi Arabia.
For now, Arsenal’s preference is understood to be retaining Gyökeres unless a high-level replacement becomes available. Toney’s form has placed him on the club’s radar, but any move would depend on the Gunners deciding that his experience and physical profile outweigh the long-term risks.
