Chelsea are looking to move into pole position to sign Brentford’s Ivan Toney in the New Year.
That is according to well-respected journalist Simon Phillips.
Phillips reported via his Substack over the weekend that Chelsea are trying to ‘jump the queue’ to sign Ivan Toney, 27, in the January transfer window.
He’s explained that the Blues are doing the most groundwork for a potential deal in the next window.
As it stands, the Brentford forward is currently serving a football ban for breaching betting regulations. He can return to training next month, but not to the pitch itself until January.
Toney’s ban comes fresh off the back of him enjoying his most impressive season to date.
The English centre-forward scored 21 goals across all competitions last season for Brentford, including 20 in the Premier League.
He’s such a complete frontman with great pace, strength and finishing. We certainly think he ticks so many boxes for Chelsea, but should they be prepared to wait until January?
Described as “remarkable” by Brentford manager Thomas Frank (BBC), Toney seems destined for a big-money transfer in the near future.
The Evening Standard reported earlier this month that Brentford are resigned to selling Toney in the future if their £80million asking price is met.
In our view, Brentford’s star striker could cut the grade at Chelsea. We can understand why the club are looking to race ahead and beat off competition for his signature, but we should be alert to what Nicolas Jackson is currently doing when leading the line for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The need for a new forward may not be as big as once feared if Jackson and Armando Broja perform in the first half of the season.
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