This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Arsenal are reportedly tracking Brentford striker Ivan Toney after his fast start to life in the Championship. 

Toney has scored 16 times since joining from Peterborough United in the summer and, according to the Daily Express, has caught the attention of the Gunners.

It is understood that Arsenal are among his admirers and plan to continue tracking the striker.

So, would he be a good signing for the Premier League club? And is he needed?

We asked our FLW writers for their thoughts...

George Harbey 

It’s an interesting one.

Arsenal obviously aren’t what they used to be, and with European football looking unlikely next season, they probably can’t attract world-class talent anymore.

This is probably why they’re targeting Norwich’s Emi Buendia, and now, Ivan Toney of Brentford, and for me, it would be a top signing.

He’s not quite on the level of Aubameyang, but he is a hungry striker who has certainly lived up to expectations for the Bees this season.

I’d definitely back him to make the leap to the Premier League and do well. He’s a goalscorer, and that doesn’t go away.

Are these 15 Brentford facts genuine or not?

 

Jacob Potter

I'm really not sure about this one.

Toney has impressed me since moving to Brentford, but I'm yet to be convinced that he'd be anywhere near good enough to earn a move to a club with the stature that Arsenal have.

Mikel Arteta already has some strong options available to him in attack, and I don't think Toney would be anything more than a bit-part player in future seasons for the Gunners.

There are better options out there for Arsenal this month, and Toney would be making a mistake in moving there if he wanted to find regular game time.

His development is surely best served with Brentford for the time being, especially with the Bees challenging for promotion into the Premier League this term.

Sam Rourke

I really like the sound of this.

Toney has serious quality and has adapted to life in the second tier with ease, scoring 16 league goals already is no mean feat.

The 24-year-old has it all, he's athletic, strong, pacey, can link up the play, and has a killer edge in front of goal - though, most importantly he has a real hunger and desire in the final third.

That's something Arsenal will surely benefit from, they need players who are going to show the determination when it matters, and with the Gunners' array of creative talent, you feel chances will be plentiful for Toney there.

I fully believe Toney has all the attributes and qualities to excel in the top-flight, and I can only see him improving at a club like Arsenal.

He could be an ideal replacement for Lacazette if he departs the Emirates.

You only have to take a look at how Ollie Watkins has completed a seamless transition to Premier League football after his switch to Villa, this makes a whole lot of sense to me.