Mikel Arteta reportedly declined the chance to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney during the summer transfer window due to concerns about how his personality might affect Arsenal’s team unity. Although Arsenal was engaged in a title race with Manchester City, Arteta chose to prioritize the existing squad over bringing in a new forward.
This decision came after a meeting with Toney, where Arteta became apprehensive about the player’s attitude and how well he would fit into Arsenal’s team-oriented culture.
Journalist Charles Watts and Arsenal insiders had also suggested that club officials were not impressed with Toney during initial discussions. They raised concerns about his attitude and personality, which further contributed to Arteta’s hesitation.
Despite Toney’s desire to join a top-six Premier League club, including Arsenal, Arteta ultimately decided against the move. Instead, he emphasized the importance of maintaining squad harmony over signing a new player.
Toney later secured a lucrative transfer to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, but his interest in playing for Arsenal never materialized into a deal. Arteta’s decision to pass on Toney underscores his dedication to preserving a cohesive team environment, which has been a crucial factor in Arsenal’s recent success and resurgence as a top contender in the Premier League.
By choosing to focus on squad unity rather than making a high-profile signing, Arteta demonstrated his commitment to fostering a positive atmosphere within the team. This approach has helped Arsenal develop a strong, unified squad that continues to compete at the highest level.
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