John Barnes Exclusive: ‘Arsenal still need a goalscorer like Ivan Toney’
Last Updated on March 28, 2024
By Jacob Potter 
Arsenal endured a difficult December period where they dropped points in games to West Ham and Fulham, whilst being bounced out of the FA Cup to Liverpool at the beginning of January Mikel Arteta’s men have bounced back in style. The Gunners are in scintillating form, scoring 21 goals in just five Premier League matches, firmly placing them in the title race as they progress to the latter stages of the Champions League. We spoke with former Liverpool winger John Barnes to discuss Arsenal’s impressive run of form, Ivan Toney’s future, and Martin Odegaard’s performances.
In this article:
- Arsenal still need a goalscorer like Ivan Toney
- Stop the world class claims for Saka claims Barnes
- Odegaard is Arsenal’s Kevin De Bruyne
- Arsenal don’t need to sign another number nine to win the league
Arsenal still need a goalscorer like Ivan Toney
In their last five Premier League games, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have scored more than a third of their total goals for the season. This remarkable scoring spree comes after a challenging December, where Arsenal faced criticism for their lack of finishing prowess. Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka all found themselves under scrutiny for failing to convert chances. However, their recent form has silenced critics, raising questions about the necessity of pursuing additional strikers like Ivan Toney, who has been rumoured to be on Arsenal’s radar. We sought Barnes’s opinion on whether Arsenal might place a bid for Ivan Toney this summer and inquired about the most suitable club for Toney’s talents.
“I think Arsenal or Chelsea would be the best move for Toney. United have Hojlund who is doing well so I can’t see them looking at Toney.
“Chelsea have Jackson but he’s unproven. Arsenal and Chelsea are the two sides most in need of a centre forward so they’ll be the best for him.”
Stop the world class claims for Saka claims Barnes
Bukayo Saka has become the youngest player in over 40 years to score 50 goals for Arsenal, a milestone that has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. Known for his admiration of the England winger, Barnes’s perspective was sought on the ongoing discussions regarding Saka’s status as a world-class player.
“He’s a very good player with great potential and he’s doing well but we have to give him time.
“We saw him have a great ¾ of the season last year and then tail away. Don’t put pressure on him. What is world class? How many players in the world are world class?
“Why does it matter? What matters is that he’s playing well for Arsenal at this moment in time and long may it continue.”
Odegaard is Arsenal’s Kevin De Bruyne
Martin Odegaard, the Arsenal midfielder, has been in exceptional form recently. In the match against Burnley, Odegaard scored the game’s opening goal, contributed to the second, and delivered a brilliant assist for Saka’s third goal. His versatility during games in playing as a number 6, an 8, and a 10 has been pivotal for Arsenal in recent weeks.
Odegaard’s control and creativity, combined with his remarkable left foot, have established him as one of the league’s top playmakers. Barnes has gone so far as to compare the Arsenal captain to Kevin De Bruyne, highlighting Odegaard’s significant impact on the field.
“He’s Arsenal’s Kevin De Bruyne. He looks to get on the ball and be creative.
“Yes Arsenal have the likes of Saka, Jesus and Martinelli but he’s their talisman. He works hard and for someone so young he’s got a very mature head on his shoulders.”
Olise and Eze could play for any of England’s top clubs
How far could Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze go in the game? Both players are the creative hubs for Crystal Palace and it appears their future lies away from Selhurst Park in South London. What does the future hold for the two young talents who Barnes believes could play for any of the top clubs in England. Olise and Eze could become key players for elite clubs, possibly competing in the Champions League and challenging for major honours.
“They could play for Manchester CIty, Arsenal, Liverpool. They’re fantastic players that could play for a variety of teams in a variety of roles across the pitch.
“They understand how to play, have great movement with and without the ball, good physical and technical ability. They’re two bright sparks who would be comfortable playing for any of the biggest clubs in England.
“Both of them are ready to make a move to one of the league’s bigger clubs. Eze did well at QPR and has now established himself as one of Palace’s best players.”
Sky Bet have Olise priced at 4/1 to join Chelsea this summer, whilst Manchester United and Manchester City are both priced below 8/1 for the French youth international to move to them before the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Be sure to take advantage of the Sky Bet sign-up offer, as they’re one of the best betting sites in the business which offers new customers a sizeable amount in free bets when they meet the qualifying criteria attached to the welcome bonus.
