Chelsea’s board are expecting some of their closest rivals to make a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney in the upcoming January transfer window.
That is according to a report from The Sun.
Brentford frontman Ivan Toney, 27, has been strongly linked with a possible move to Stamford Bridge in recent times.
Now, it’s been claimed that Chelsea officials think there will be stiff competition for the centre-forward’s signature.
Transfer battle
The Sun states that Chelsea are prepared to be in a three-way battle in January with Arsenal and Tottenham to sign Toney.
It is explained that Chelsea insiders believe that Arsenal are poised to make their move for the 27-year-old English star during the next transfer window. There’s a feeling that Spurs are lining up their own bid as they seek to find a Harry Kane replacement, too.
The report explains that the Blues are getting ready to go head-to-head to sign the striker.
Incidentally, journalist Simon Phillips reported via his Substack this month that Paul Winstanley really wants Chelsea to go and sign Toney in the New Year. So, will the Blues co-sporting director get his wish?
In fairness, Arsenal look a lot closer to the finished article right now with their squad than Chelsea or Spurs. Who’s willing to push hardest to get the Brentford ace, though?
Ivan Toney a risk
We think Toney’s quite a big gamble for any of the aforementioned clubs, especially if his transfer fee gets anywhere near the £100million tag.
However, he’s developed into the tailor-made Premier League striker in recent seasons at Brentford.
His pace, strength, composure and intelligence makes him the perfect target man. He could bring so much to any of Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs.
On top of the fact that he’s yet to experience the pressure of playing for one of the elite clubs, Toney’s match sharpness is a big question mark. It’s a complete unknown on whether or not he can hit the ground running in the second half of the season after missing the first chunk though suspension.
The player himself surely needs to have a sensational few month to force his way into the England squad ahead of next summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.
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