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News from the Emirates suggests that the striker Arsene Wenger has targeted is Bayern’s Luca Toni. The striker looks set for an exit from the club during the winter transfer window, and could even leave on a free, that desperate are Bayern to get rid of him. This news has aroused the interest of Arsenal, but also Liverpool and Roma, and no doubt a host of other clubs. The Arsenal manager dropped a significant hint last week that the club were looking to acquire at least one striker over the winter transfer window when he dismissed interest in Patrick Vieira stating that the former Gunner wasn’t a forward. This has sent the rumour mill into frenzied overdrive with a host of names being linked with a winter move to the Emirates including Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Luis Suarez (Ajax) and most recently Eden Hazard (Lille). However, Luca Toni could be the ideal striker to come into the Arsenal frontline possessing a robust physique and a willingness to get stuck in. Additionally he is also far better on the ball technically then many give him credit for. Toni’s arrival at Arsenal would evoke memories of the short-term deal that Arsene Wenger struck to bring Croatian Davor Suker to the club, and if he has the same impact, then Toni could represent an outstanding piece of business. Furthermore Wenger has hinted at the fact that he would be willing to bring in a striker who was European cup-tied so desperate is he to bolster the flagging Arsenal front-line in the continued absence of Robin van Persie. Luca Toni’s goal record prior to the arrival of Louis van Gaal at the Allianz Arena has been nothing short of exceptional since arriving from Fiorentina 2.5 seasons ago. However, the Italian has fallen foul of the abrasive Dutchman this season and has paid the price for a lacklustre start to the Bundesliga campaign, which jeopardized Bayern’s chances of recapturing the title from Wolfsburg and threatened their involvement in the Champions League. A training ground bust-up over a half-time substitution of Toni brought things to a head, and since the Italian has been frozen out of the first team picture in Bavaria. Yesterday Uli Honess said the club were so keen to get rid of their one-time hero that they would consider cancelling his contract at letting him leave on a free. However, he won’t come cheap with Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp ruling his side out of a move stating that Toni was on the equivalent wages of 15 players at his club. Liverpool are also thought to be looking at the possibility of getting hold of another striker to take the pressure off Fernando Torres. With Liverpool currently not having a great deal of funds to lavish on transfer fees, the chance to bring in a player of Toni’s undoubted stature on a free transfer would be too good to miss. Toni’s availability has also alerted several clubs on the continent, with Italian pair Inter Milan and AS Roma also keen on him, so the Premiership pair will certainly have a fight on if they wish to bring him to these shores. Posted by Walter Townsend on Wednesday, 23rd December 2009 (Average rating 0 from 0 votes. Vote) (0 Comments) |