Chelsea urged to sign England international despite his off-field controversy

Chelsea are urged to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney despite off-field issues

Former Chelsea player and pundit Jason Cundy has urged the club to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney despite off-the-field issues.

Toney is having an exceptional season for the Bees, scoring 17 goals and assisting five in 26 games in all competitions. He deserved an England call-up this month after missing out on the World Cup.

The former Peterborough striker has off-field issues though. In November and December, he was charged over 232 plus 30 alleged breaches of betting rules. It was reported that the player admitted to breaching rules over most charges but denied others.

Cundy thinks that Toney is a Chelsea striker by the way he plays and wants the club to sign him. Here’s what he said (h/t Metro):

“Do we need a centre-forward? Yes, we do. Ivan Toney has his issues off the field with what’s happening with the betting situation he’s been charged with. Let’s wait and see with all that.

“But for me, he’s a Chelsea centre-forward. The way he is, the way he looks, the way he plays. He’s a Chelsea player. We need a platform. We need a rugged, hard, clever, intelligent footballer up front. He ticks a lot of boxes. Plus, he knows the Premier League.”

The good thing about the potential Toney ban is that it will cover the summer months. So, if the 26-year-old receives a ban before the end of this season, he should be back playing after missing only a few games at the start of next season.

But, let’s wait on the final verdict before jumping the gun. In terms of what Cundy said, he is absolutely right. Toney has the attributes and style to become a fantastic addition to the Chelsea team.

The Englishman is a rugged, physically strong and technically gifted striker who would work hard for the team and score goals as well. He can bully defenders, link-up with creative players, be a menace in the opposition box and run the channel to release pressure.

More Chelsea News:

• England boss Gareth Southgate reveals high regard for Chelsea star Reece James
• Brighton CEO Paul Barber confirms Chelsea star Moises Caicedo will get his chance to play for top clubs
• Ben Foster feels Chelsea must replace goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga

Chelsea and Graham Potter could do with a player like him in their squad. Right now, the Blues lack that in abundance. They are playing beautiful football with no end product. Toney would add that along with physical strength.