Thomas Frank insists Brentford could sell Ivan Toney for the right price, which could boost Chelsea and Arsenal’s hopes to sign the striker.
Thomas Frank revealed on Sky Sports via 90 Mins that Brentford are a ‘selling club’ and will consider offers for their players, including Ivan Toney. Chelsea and Arsenal are a few of the top teams keen on the 27-year-old Premier League attacker, and this news will boost their chances.
Some reports on Tuesday insisted Arsenal would have surely made a bid for Ivan Toney only for his ban to stall their plans during the summer. The Gunners did sign Kai Havertz, who by trade seems like a centre-forward, but Mikel Arteta has deployed him in an unfamiliar midfield role.
It shows the Gunners did seek a centre-forward during the summer, but overall, they seem well-stocked in the position. Ivan Toney could have been an interesting choice, but the 27-year-old Premier League attacker continues to serve an eight-month ban that ends in January. They are also angling for a move for Evan Ferguson in 2024, with the Irish star considered a younger alternative to someone like Toney.
Thomas Frank was part of Sky Sports’ MNF and revealed a few things about the club’s policy. He also addressed Toney’s status within the squad, claiming Brentford are a ‘selling club’ and will certainly consider all offers coming in for the 27-year-old Premier League attacker.
Frank said, “I think every club in the world are a selling club except five or six clubs. We are a selling club. If the right price is there and I think if the timing is right for the players to go, I think if they have developed well with us and been on the journey, they have proven to be good enough to play at the top clubs, then I think it’s the right thing [to sell them] at the right price.
“Yes [this applies to Toney], I understand why there are a lot of rumours about him. For me, I think he is one of the best strikers. As a number nine, I don’t see many in the world that are better than him. You have [Harry] Kane, [Robert] Lewandowski, these types, but not many.”
Arsenal were reportedly quoted a reported £80 million, but fresh reports suggest Brentford could deal for £60 million for the striker. In January, Toney will have 18 months left on his current deal, and the Bees could seek to cash in for the right price.
Chelsea are also one of the sides keen, with Mauricio Pochettino seeking a top-draw striker. Toney is among those considered by the Blues, who have the necessary funds to execute this transfer. The only problem is the 27-year-old’s age, which does not fit into the club’s recently adopted policy of signing players under 25.
In any case, they could pursue a deal for Toney if the conditions are right. The striker, in an interview with The Diary Of A CEO podcast, admitted to admiring Arsenal as a club but revealed he was a Liverpool fan. The Reds are not keen on the 27-year-old, although the Gunners might consider an approach.
Hence, the comments made by Frank may provide Chelsea and Arsenal a boost in their hopes to land Toney. It certainly won’t be an easy operation, but these are the clubs trying to become the best and may consider moves for a player who is one of the best forwards in the Premier League.