Arsenal and Chelsea must fork out around £65 million for Brentford star Ivan Toney
Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in Brentford striker Ivan Toney but the Englishman will not come cheap in the upcoming 2024 transfer windows.
The 27-year-old is the Bees’ ace goalscorer but is currently serving a suspension for betting. He will, however, be available in the new year and this has seen several interested parties rear their head regarding a potential move.
A solid dribbler who is also robust in the air, Toney is a proven goalscorer in the English top flight. He will not need much time to get used to the league and can perform from the word go. More so, having served his suspension, he has a mere half season to stake a claim in England’s squad for Euro 2024. This should have him highly motivated.
It is something that will benefit Arsenal and Chelsea, both of whom will have much to play for in the latter half of the season. The former will hope to be in the mix for the Premier League title while Chelsea will hope to break into the top four. Bringing in a goalscorer who finds the back of the net consistently is an invaluable mi-season addition.
But quality comes at a price and according to Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside, Brentford are seeking at least £65 million for the 27-year-old’s signature. Toney’s contract at the London club expires in 2025 and the upcoming January window represents Brentford’s best shot at getting top dollar for their star man.
Arsenal have started the season well but lack a reliable centre-forward who can score week in and week out. Gabriel Jesus has not yet proved to be prolific and Toney could offer a different dynamism to the Brazilian at the head of the Gunners attack.
The same can be said of Chelsea who lack a recognised goal-getter. Armando Broja is once again struggling with injuries while Noclas Jackson is indecisive when presented with goalscoring opportunities. TOney offers something neither player can offer experience. And given the hustle and bustle towards the business end of the campaign, it can prove to be an invaluable trait.
Either way, Toney has a chance to move to a top side while in the prime of his career. Brentford despite their brilliance are not in a position to challenge for trophies, something Arsenal and Chelsea are better placed to provide.
