Brentford have increased their valuation of Ivan Toney amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea
Brentford are holding out on £80 million for Ivan Toney as they prepare themselves for interest from Chelsea and Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window. However, the North Londoners could cool their interest after hearing his new price tag.
According to the Times (subscription required) (h/t Mirror), Arsenal are keen on recruiting Toney, but the £80 million price tag could end their pursuit of the striker. If this is the case, Chelsea could be handed a red carpet to complete the deal on.
The Gunners’ other alternative is Santiago Gimenez, who has also drawn interest from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. It’s unlikely the Blues would want another young striker as they already have Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson in the ranks.
Both London clubs are looking to add a clinical striker to their roster and have identified Toney as an ideal target. The 27-year-old is open to leaving the Bees in January once his eight-month ban is lifted. Brentford have held discussions with the striker about signing a new deal, but his reluctance could force the club to sell him in the upcoming winter transfer window.
Toney\, who enjoyed a productive season last term, finished the season as the third-top scorer, and his performance has caught the attention of big Premier League giants. He will certainly prove to be a solid target man and has much experience of thriving in the English top flight.
It is evident that the Blues desperately need a proven striker, and if Arsenal pulls out of the running, they will have a clear path to securing Ivan Toney. Hopefully, Arsenal will withdraw from the competition so that we negotiate with Brentford and possibly persuade them to drop their asking price.
Toney’s contract expires in 2025, and he has so far not shown any indication that he’ll renew it. While we can understand Brentford seeking to cash in, their asking price is quite over the top. Chelsea can certainly find a better player for the quoted price.
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Chelsea should take advantage of this opportunity to sign him, as we will finally have an ideally suited No. 9 in charge. Whether the recruitment team deem Toney worthy of the asking price is another question.