"He would fit in at Arsenal" – Gary Lineker urges Gunners to sign Premier League attacker

England legend Gary Lineker has urged Arsenal to launch a late move to rope in Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the summer transfer window.

Toney, 28, has allegedly been heavily linked with the Gunners for over a year. He emerged as a topic of speculation after being left out of his club's 2-1 league win against Crystal Palace this Sunday (August 18).

A six-cap England international, Toney is thought to be in talks to leave Brentford with a number of Saudi Arabian clubs keen to sign him soon.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, former Manchester City star Micah Richards suggested that Arsenal should sign Toney (h/t Metro):

"You know who I would go and buy? Ivan Toney. He was left out obviously and there's talk about him going to Saudi. He might not be ideal for Arsenal's style, how they want to press and play, but he's a different option from off the bench. He would give them something different, a different dimension."

In response to Richards' comments, Lineker shared his two cents:

"I like Ivan Toney a lot. I think he's super talented and gives you a completely different from what else they've got. He's a real threat and technically a really good footballer, so I think he would fit in at Arsenal. Once you're at the stage where a player is left out, the writing does appear to be on the wall."

Toney, who is in the final 11 months of his current deal, has contributed 36 goals and 11 assists in 83 Premier League matches for Brentford.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's side could opt to sign a number nine option as they are trying to sell Eddie Nketiah before the end of this month.

Arsenal close to signing 28-year-old star

According to The Times, Arsenal are close to completing a £30 million deal to lure Mikel Merino away from Real Sociedad. They are said to be in advanced talks with the La Liga outfit over the potential transfer.

Merino, who has allegedly agreed personal terms to join the Gunners, has cemented himself as a crucial starter for his team since arriving in 2018. The 28-year-old has helped his club win a Copa del Rey trophy.

Should the left-footed central midfielder join the north London outfit, he could prove to be a fine signing for them. He would pop up as a starter alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice in the club's 4-3-3 setup.