Arsenal legend Ray Parlour thinks his former club should attempt to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney over Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.
The Germany international has struggled to live up to expectations since signing for Chelsea in 2020 from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee that could rise to £71m with add-ons.
Havertz was used as a makeshift striker for much of the 2022/23 campaign and he only managed to score seven goals in the Premier League.
Chelsea struggled in front of goal in 2022/23 as they were only able to score 38 Premier League goals. They finished down in 12th, while Arsenal challenged Man City for the title.
Arsenal have reportedly identified Havertz as one of their main summer targets as they are pursuing him along with West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Havertz is under contract until 2025 and Chelsea are holding out for around £70m. It was reported earlier this week that Arsenal are only willing to pay £60m to sign the forward.
Parlour does not think Havertz “is the right signing” for Arsenal as they need an “out-and-out goalscorer”. He reckons Toney – despite his ban until January 2024 would be a better option after he scored 20 league goals for Brentford during the 22/23 season.
“You need an out-and-out goalscorer, if you’re Arsenal,” Parlour told talkSPORT. “They’ve got so much good back-up play behind the striker, but they need someone to put the ball in the net.
“For me, I don’t think that’s the right signing but obviously Edu and Mikel Arteta will be talking behind the scenes and thinking he can play here or there. There might be a plan for him.
“Any player coming into any club, you’ve got to give them a chance. But for me, it’s a shame, I’d have gone for Ivan Toney but he’s obviously got that ban and whether they want to take a chance with that…but he would have been the obvious choice for me.”
READ MORE: Kai Havertz is a marginal gain for Arsenal when they need giant leaps forward
German journalist Florian Plettenberg is reporting that Arsenal are “very confident” that they will sign Rice and Havertz this summer.
Plettenberg wrote on Twitter: “Been told Arsenal is very confident to sign both: Rice & Havertz! Despite of the fact that Chelsea has rejected the first offer. Arteta is pushing for Havertz!
“@Arsenal are in advanced stages with both players No Bayern offer for #Havertz yet. Arsenal is planning the next steps. Bayern‘s next transfer meeting scheduled next week.”
READ MORE: Arsenal £20m short on two deals; Man Utd haggle with Chelsea… rejected bids and where they stand
