Chelsea backroom personnel at odds over signing Brentford’s Ivan Toney

Chelsea leaders and recruitment team feel Ivan Toney isn’t the perfect signing for club

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has provided an insight into Chelsea’s stance on signing Ivan Toney as Blues continues to be linked with a move for the Brentford striker.

Chelsea will aim to sign a proven striker either in January or the next transfer window to address their goalscoring conundrum. So far, the Blues have Toney and Victor Osimhen as their potential targets for an established centre-forward signing.

However, in recent games, the Blues have looked potent in front of goal, scoring eight goals in the last two games, with Nicolas Jackson contributing four goals in those matches.

Chelsea might consider pre-singing Victor Osimhen in January. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Chelsea might consider pre-singing Victor Osimhen in January. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

However, acquiring a reliable striker remains on the cards for the West London club, but now it is understood that they may change their mind regarding Toney’s signing.

Chelsea’s leaders and recruitment team believe they aren’t convinced of Toney’s characteristics and may avoid signing him in the coming transfer window. Jacobs further revealed in his exclusive Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside:

“Chelsea will be looking for an elite striker in 2024. They are prepared to wait until summer if they need to, rather than move in January. There are a lot of links with Ivan Toney, but the price Brentford would require in January makes that quite difficult.”

“It could be worth up to £80 million.” And not everyone in Chelsea’s senior leadership or recruitment team feels Toney is the right choice, especially mid-season when he’s gone so long without playing.”

Chelsea personnel aren't convinced of Ivan Toney of Brentford (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Chelsea personnel aren’t convinced of Ivan Toney of Brentford (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Toney hasn’t played yet this season, and when he does, it might take him a few games to reclaim his scoring form. The Blues clearly don’t want to wait for a strong striker to develop his goal-scoring prowess. He will turn 28 in March of next year, making the £80 million purchase look excessive at this point. Additionally, Todd Bohely’s transfer philosophy has him signing players who are younger than 25.

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We can wait till the next summer window and see how things develop and then make a move for Osimhen who will be a far better fit than Toney.