Report: The real reason why Mikel Arteta was put off signing Ivan Toney for Arsenal this summer

Throughout the summer, Arsenal were often urged to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford, who many thought could project Mikel Arteta’s side to a Premier League title.

In the season prior to his ban, Toney scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League games, a record that only the likes of Erling Haaland can scoff at.

And at 28-years-old, Toney looked primed for a move to a big club like Arsenal this summer, but one never materialised.

Instead, Toney joined Al-Ahli on deadline day, where he will receive an astronomical rise in wage in comparison to his pay-packet at Brentford and during his days playing in the EFL.

But as the season goes on, will Arsenal regret overlooking the chance to sign Toney? It appears as if Arteta doesn’t think so. 

Mikel Arteta didn’t think Ivan Toney had the right personality to succeed at Arsenal

When sharing some details on Raheem Sterling’s recent move to Arsenal, the Independent provided some insight into the club’s decision to veto a move for Toney.

It was definitely a transfer that Edu and Arteta discussed, but according to the report, the Arsenal manager ultimately decided no.

READ MORE: Alan Shearer gives his verdict on Arsenal signing Raheem Sterling from Chelsea

Arsenal now feel as if they’ve reached a point in their project in which the core of the squad is so strong that any new player has to be a good fit – their dressing room is now well established.

And one of the key reasons why Arteta ‘went off’ Toney was due to the fact that he didn’t feel as if his chemistry would be right with his current players.

Toney has always appeared as a confident, independent character at Brentford, and perhaps Arteta was looking for someone who might be more open to change – a hypothetical conclusion.

Arsenal can’t entertain Saudi Arabian bid for Leandro Trossard

Although the transfer window is now shut, Arsenal have just received an offer for Leandro Trossard from Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Pro-League clubs are still able to make moves right now, meaning Trossard could feasibly still leave Arsenal and join Toney in the Middle East.

However, Arsenal should immediately reject the Trossard offer – he’s far too crucial to Mikel Arteta’s project right now.

The Belgian won the game for Arsenal against Aston Villa, and would be a huge loss were he to leave.

And as important as not signing Toney was deemed for Arsenal’s dressing room, losing Trossard could be equally as damaging.