Brentford are now confident that Ivan Toney will sign a new contract in what is a setback for Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino.
A story from Football London claimed that the Brentford No.17 is a target for Chelsea this summer.
Now – however – Chelsea will seemingly have to explore alternatives to Ivan Toney.
What’s the story?
Well, even if Chelsea did receive encouragement to bid for the 27-year-old this summer, they would have been forced to wait until January to use him after he was banned by the FA for breaching betting rules.
Despite that situation, Brentford have placed their faith in Toney, with 90min claiming that the Bees are confident of agreeing a new contract for their talisman after his outstanding efforts this season.
The England international remarkably scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances this season – only Harry Kane and Erling Haaland have netted more.
You can certainly understand why Chelsea are admirers of Toney.
Nevertheless, an exit from Brentford now looks highly unlikely, so let’s take a look at the alternatives.
Who Chelsea could sign instead of Ivan Toney
There are a number of options for Pochettino this summer as Chelsea look to find a new No.9 for the Argentine.
The Guardian believe Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen is an option for the Blues after he ended Napoli’s 33-year wait for a Serie A title with 23 goals in 29 league games this season.
It has been said that Chelsea think the Nigerian international could be as effective as Erling Haaland in English football.
Elsewhere – according to the Evening Standard – KAA Genk wonderkid Gift Orban is on Chelsea’s radar.
Furthermore – as detailed by 90min – Tottenham are fearful that Pochettino will try to reunite with Harry Kane this summer, as the England captain only has 12 months remaining on his contract at Spurs.
Be sure to keep an eye on developments at Stamford Bridge this summer, as Chelsea are expected to sign a new striker.