In an Ivan Toney Chelsea exclusive, it is becoming increasingly likely that the Blues will be the side who meet Brentford’s valuation.
Chelsea Ivan Toney Exclusive
Ivan Toney was expected to be in-demand for the next transfer window, but as it stands the battle to sign him is not quite as anticipated.
That is partly due to the fact Arsenal have dropped their interest in the 28-year-old England forward, instead deciding to pursue other targets including Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee.
Other interested clubs – including Tottenham – are not prepared to meet the premium price-tag that Brentford are expected put on his head.
It is expected that Toney will be allowed to move for £55-60million, and if that is the case then insiders believe Chelsea would be most likely to provide him a potential landing spot.
At the age of 28, Toney would not typically fit with Chelsea’s recent youthful approach to the transfer market, but there is a feeling they are going to be more open about signing players over 25.
The Blues are in the market for a new striker and Toney may emerge as the most compatible, given they may be forced to rein in their spending.
They would love to sign Victor Osimhen – who has long been their dream No.9 target – but the financial figures to make it happen are difficult to reach and further complicated by the fact Paris Saint-Germain want to sign him.
Other targets include Evan Ferguson of Brighton, but they will likely be priced out of a move given the Seagulls will hold firm on their £100million valuation.
It is the same case with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, though Benjamin Sesko at RB Leipzig might yet become possible at £52million.
Chelsea may look to Toney – a player with genuine Premier League pedigree – to come in and be effective immediately amid a notable shortage of goalscorers.
They already have detailed reports on him and his Premier League nous, combined with the fact he is now establishing himself as an England international, gives him further credibility as an option.
Toney was suspended earlier in the campaign and has four goals for the Bees this season, but he is in mind for Gareth Southgate to go to Euro 2024.
Chelsea have not yet moved forward with interest in Toney but even at £60million he could prove one of the better value options that they can consider.
Toney would be very open to the move if the opportunity begins to materialise, and at this stage Chelsea would have a pretty clear run at him.
Manchester United have had an eye on the situation but sources do not currently see him as a prime candidate for their incoming business.
Newcastle and West Ham will continue to monitor the situation incase an opportunity opens up for them to seriously consider signing Toney.
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