During the summer transfer window of 2024, there was a lot of excitement among Arsenal supporters over possible additions to the team that would strengthen it for a Premier League title challenge. Among the names frequently linked was Ivan Toney, the prolific Brentford striker had impressed with his goal-scoring prowess. However, despite the speculation, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta decided against pursuing a deal for Toney.
One of the primary reasons Mikel Arteta opted not to sign Ivan Toney was due to concerns about the team chemistry. According to reports, Arteta did not feel that Toney would fit well with the existing squad dynamics at Arsenal.
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Mikel Arteta ‘didn’t feel’ Ivan Toney would fit in well with the rest of the Arsenal squad, The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney revealed.
The Spanish manager has been credited with fostering a strong sense of unity and collective spirit within the team, and he was wary of introducing a player who might disrupt this balance.
According to Delaney, Arsenal decided not to pursue Toney because they were not sure of the 28-year-old’s fit into their first-team squad:
“Arsenal now feel they are in a position where the core of the squad is strong so any new signing just has to properly fit.
“Arteta in part went off Ivan Toney due to the fact he didn’t feel the chemistry would be right with the group.
“Arsenal no longer want to get into situations of just signing an option for the sake of it, as they are aware of what it has done to them in the past, and feel there are other costs that come in.”
Arteta believes a harmonious dressing room is crucial for achieving success on the pitch. Toney, known for his confident and independent character, was seen as a potential risk to this carefully cultivated environment. Instead, Arteta chose to strengthen his attacking options with players who he felt would seamlessly integrate into the team’s ethos, such as Raheem Sterling.
Another factor in Arteta’s decision was the strategic fit of new signings within Arsenal’s long-term vision. The club is at a stage where any new addition must align perfectly with its tactical and strategic goals. Arteta and the club’s technical director, Edu, have been meticulous in their recruitment, ensuring that each player brought in adds value not just in terms of skill but also in terms of character and adaptability.
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