Chelsea are the frontrunners to sign 27-year-old Premier League striker in 2024

Chelsea are currently in pole position to sign Ivan Toney to solve their goal-scoring woes

Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney next year, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook (h/t football.london). The 27-year-old is expected to depart Brentford in 2024 with several top clubs interested in his services.

Crook reports that Chelsea currently lead London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur among others in the race for the Englishman. Toney is currently serving an FA ban until mid-January for betting offences. He is expected to call it quits at Brentford in 2024. With the January transfer window just round the corner, it remains to be seen if the striker has played his last game in a Brentford jersey.

Toney would provide a massive boost to Chelsea’s misfiring attack. The Blues have struggled in front of the goal and lack an infallible goalscorer who can put the ball in the back of the net on a consistent basis. Bringing in Toney could finally give manager Mauricio Pochettino a reliable option in that regard.

Chelsea’s disastrous experience with their £97.5m signing Romelo Lukaku in 2021 has made it clear that big money does not indicate a sure shot at success. Instead, new owner Todd Boehly is keen to invest in young talent, putting together a roster of promising players at Chelsea over the last three transfer windows.

However, with 12 first-team players out due to injury, all the goal-scoring responsibilities have fallen on the inexperienced Nicolas Jackson. The 22-year-old Senegal international Jackson has underdelivered, finding the back of the net only once while missing six big goal-scoring chances along the way. Surely a side with big aspirations needs a player who is reliable upfront.

After 20 goals in 40 Premier League matches with Brentford, Toney has the pedigree to succeed at a higher level. His tenacity and aerial ability would perfectly balance Chelsea’s other attackers. More so, he can also serve as a focal point for the Blues attack, leading the line with aplomb and also bringing those around him into play.

Additionally, signing Toney on the cheap would continue new owner Todd Boehly’s shrewd approach after this year’s lavish spending. Boosting the attack without a huge outlay would be the ideal scenario. With the player’s contract at Brentford expiring in the summer of 2025, the Bees could find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to demanding top dollar.

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There is still time for the situation to change, with Brentford hoping to extend Toney’s contract. But as of now, Chelsea appears best positioned to secure the talented English striker’s signature when he likely departs next year.