Michael Owen has suggested that even though Ivan Toney would cost a fortune, he would be a relatively risk-free signing since he guarantees goals in the Premier League.
For those who had forgotten just how good he is, Toney has served a reminder of his qualities since returning from his ban last month, having found the back of the net four times in seven matches so far.
It is not just his goals that make the 27-year-old such as sought-after player but also his general all-round game, with the centre-forward being extremely good with his back to goal while also being skilled at linking up play.
That is perhaps why so many big clubs are chasing the England international, with HITC reporting earlier this month that Spurs are set to battle the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Chelsea for the Bees star this summer.
Ivan Toney would not be a risky signing this summer
The outlet suggested that it would take around £60m to get Toney out of the Gtech Community Stadium in the summer even though he will have just a year left on his contract, and Owen believes it is well worth paying that much for the striker.
The pundit told Premier League Productions (26/02/24 at 7:35 pm) about the race for Toney’s signature: “It’s an expensive risk because he isn’t going to be cheap. Is he a risk? He has scored all the goals for Brentford. Some would say he isn’t a risk.
“But to put someone, let’s say Arsenal, who everybody is saying needs a centre-forward, to have him at the club and not to start him. What’s he going to cost? £60, 70 or 80 million?
“He’s a starter really. He is going to have to start. Paying that money, you have to start him. I like him, don’t get me wrong. He can obviously score goals. He is very different.
“Not many would like to mark him. He has got a lot of different attributes. He’s not a target man that a lot of people would describe him as. He can bring people into play. He has a lot more to his game than just winning flick-ons.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Toney is one of a few number nines in world football who guarantees goals at the highest level. A few clubs would thus be prepared to break the bank for the striker instead of spending £40m or so on someone like Jonathan David or Dusan Vlahovic, who could be a hit or a miss.
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