Ivan Toney trade update: Chelsea and Arsenal making headway on Brentford deal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ivan Toney intends to leave Brentford in 2024, with Chelsea and Arsenal both interested in the striker.
Newcastle have joined Manchester United and Tottenham in the fight to recruit the once-capped England midfielder, according to FootballTransfers, and Romano adds that the two London clubs are making attempts to secure a deal.
Toney, 27, is actively seeking to leave Brentford when his FA-imposed suspension for violating a gambling ban expires next year, but it is uncertain if he will leave the Gtech Community Stadium in January or the summer.
“He appointed a new agent because he wants to try a new experience,” Romano remarked on his YouTube page. Many prominent clubs have contacted Toney.
“I can tell you that a couple of months ago, Italian clubs asked for information as well, but the Premier League is the player’s priority.”
“Chelsea is well informed about the player’s situation, but Arsenal is also well informed about the potential deal.” So far, both clubs have requested information; let’s see if any other clubs enter the race.
“At the moment, we can guarantee that both Chelsea and Arsenal are informed on the situation of Ivan Toney.”
Will Brentford offload Toney?
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has said that Toney might leave the club if a substantial offer is made.
“I understand why there are so many rumors about him.” He’s one of the top attackers in my opinion. “As a No. 9, I don’t think there are many better out there,” he told Sky Sports on Monday.
“Of course, we have Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, Erling] Haaland, and other players like that.” But not many clubs scored 20 goals in the Premier League last year, including Brentford, which is a very talented team but does not create as many chances as the top six or seven teams.
“But he’s now a Brentford player.” And with today’s market and costs for No.6 position players, when we all know goalscorers and strikers are the most costly, I guess it would be pretty pricey – unless the market has changed and you now pay more for a No.6 than a striker.”
Brentford’s biggest sale was the €34 million transfer of Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa in 2020, a figure that Toney seems certain to shatter when he returns from his ban on January 1, 2024.
