Incredible passing stats shows why Arsenal must sign £60m forward in January

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It certainly caused a lot of controversy when Mikel Arteta decided to sign David Raya for Arsenal late in the summer.

The Brentford goalkeeper was regarded as an excellent shot-stopper by Arsenal fans, but not necessarily one that they needed.

However, Mikel Arteta saw the situation differently.

The Spaniard thought there was a huge opportunity at hand, a rare chance to sign one of the league’s better players for a cut-price because of his dwindling contract.

And if Arsenal fans weren’t on board with that Brentford raid in the summer, they’d certainly enjoy one for Ivan Toney right now.

Arteta would surely be very keen to reunite Raya with his former teammate at Arsenal, with his side now desperate for finishing expertise.

That being said, a rather eye-catching stat has now emerged delineating why a £60m move might be a great idea.

Via data editor Harvey Downes, who shared the stat on X, Raya passed to Toney more than any other goalkeeper with their forward last season.

Mikel Arteta needs to reunite Ivan Toney with David Raya at Arsenal

According to Downes, Raya passed to Toney 174 times last season.

Southampton’s Gavin Bazunu and Che Adams were next, with 81 passes completed – a combination dwarfed by the former Brentford duo.

And when you consider that Arteta was motivated to buy Raya because of his rich distribution, it certainly is something to consider.

Of course, there are already a million reasons why Toney would benefit Arsenal even before this stat emerged.

And although a deal does look very difficult for Arteta this month, it would certainly be worth the hassle.

Arsenal do have sellable assets, and there’s one in particular who could now be very expendable.

If Arteta’s move for Raya in the summer was a show of ambition, then Arsenal need to continue to push with the signing of Toney.

Arsenal can now only win the Premier League or the Champions League this season, something that seems unlikely without a big January boost.

And with that being said, there could be a midfield target available on loan for Arteta to pursue.