Brentford striker Ivan Toney is in the Chelsea transfer shortlist, but betting charges may play a part
As per Evening Standard, Chelsea have added Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney to their transfer shortlist, but the Football Association betting charges, that have banned him for eight months, may play a part.
Toney appeared in court on Tuesday after the breaches of as many as 262 FA guidelines in the time between February 2017 and January 2021.
The latest from the Guardian is that the 27-year-old has been banned from playing football for eight months. It means he will be out of action till January 2024 – a long time for a player to be sidelined for if they arrive at the start of the season
Toney had an excellent season for Brentford till now, scoring 20 goals and assisting four in 33 league games. He has not just been a goal scorer for the Bees but adds so much to their attacking game with movements and link-up play.
A couple of days ago, the Guardian revealed that Chelsea are plotting an ambitious move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as the incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino aims to bolster the attacking department.
If we look at the shortcomings of the team this season, although a lot of things went wrong, the shortage of a proper number nine has been evident in almost every game.
Since the departure of Diego Costa, the Blues haven’t had a striker who can score 20+ goals per season consistently. Romelu Lukaku was signed in 2021 for that purpose, but the Belgian did not do well last season and was sent on loan to Inter Milan last summer.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea target Rafael Leao claims he wants to play in Premier League
- Charlie Adam believes Mauricio Pochettino could send Mykhaylo Mudryk out on loan
- Chelsea keen to retain goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts
If we go back to Toney, with it being confirmed that he is out till January, will Chelsea want to add him? Do they want to spend the money and patiently wait for his debut after half a season? It seems unlikely given the apparent urgent need for a striker.