Chelsea hands double transfer blow to Brentford as they join the race to sign Ivan Toney and Johan Bakayoko
Chelsea target Belgian forward Johan Bakayoko has apparently aroused the interest of Premier League opponents Brentford, who are looking for a new striker to replace Ivan Toney. Toney is departing GTech Community Stadium this summer, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United all interested in signing him.
Previously, in 2023, Brentford tried to sign the PSV star attacker when they tabled a £30 million bid. The Bees were thwarted when the attacker chose to stay with his present employer, PSV.
Bakayoko has 13 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season, and PSV is almost certain to win the Eredivisie after a staggering nine-point advantage over second-place Feyenoord heading into the last three games.
The attacker is really good in the last third. He possesses excellent dribbling abilities, pinpoint passes, and a tremendous long-shot ability. He is also proficient at winning aerial duels and delivering crosses into the box. Aside from that, the kid is a threat when it comes to taking set pieces.
Johan Bakayoko rose through the ranks of PSV’s youth to make his senior squad debut a few seasons ago. The Blues recognize the Belgian’s potential and want to gamble on him.
Brentford manager Frank admits Toney will leave the Bees this summer after four successful seasons in west London. The striker joined Brentford from Peterborough in September 2020 and has since scored 72 goals in 138 games.
Brentford will expect £40 million in return for Toney, with Chelsea reportedly leading the race for his signature. Brentford’s pursuit of Bakayoko and Szmodics will be good news for Toney’s suitors, who will be competing to sign the England international.
More Chelsea news
- Nice’s Jeremie Boga reveals which Chelsea legend compelled him to join the Blues at 11 years old
- Chelsea make contact to take first steps and sign world-class Manchester United target from Barcelona
- 102 touches, 11x possession won: The Chelsea star who silently orchestrated comeback vs Aston Villa
According to the report, Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino is pressing for the move. The Argentine believes Toney can take his team “to the next level” and has told the club’s owners to go all out for the Brentford player.
Chelsea’s interest may sound alarm bells in north London, as Arsenal have also registered their interest in the England international in the past. It will be interesting to see what track the attacker would like to choose for his future path.