Chelsea could have opportunity to sign £100m player on free transfer in 2025

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Chelsea and other Premier League clubs could have the opportunity to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney on a free transfer in 2025.

According to journalist David Ornstein, who was speaking to NBC Sports, Ivan Toney leaving Brentford at the end of his contract is a possibility that cannot be ruled out.

His current deal expires in 2025, but he is being linked with a January move to Chelsea.

The 27-year-old will not come cheap, though, with Sky Sports claiming that Brentford value him at £100m.

Ivan Toney could leave Brentford on a free transfer

Ornstein says he has been told that Toney staying at Brentford until the end of his contract is not an impossible scenario.

Discussing the forward’s future on NBC Sports, he said: “He’s out of contract in the summer of 2025, so I think currently it’s looking less likely he’ll move in January, maybe more likely in the summer.

“But I’ve been advised not to rule out free agency the summer after next, so watch this space on that.”

Chelsea cannot afford to wait until 2025 to sign Ivan Toney

Chelsea need a new striker and they need one now. Scoring goals has been such a problem for Mauricio Pochettino’s team, who failed to net against Toney’s Brentford side in their last Premier League outing.

Ideally, then, the Blues will sign a centre-forward in January. And if not, then next summer. But leaving it any later than that would be madness.

Toney looks like he could be the solution to their problems. He was excellent in front of goal for Brentford last season, scoring 21 times in 35 appearances.

However, if the England international does decide that he is going to see out his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium, then Chelsea have to move on to other targets. And given that there is an urgent need for a new No.9 to come in, you would expect them to.

In terms of alternatives, then, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins could be one name they turn to, though his recent contract extension could make a deal difficult for the Blues.