Ivan Toney is poised to make a push for a transfer in January and has communicated his desire to leave Brentford, his current club, as soon as the winter transfer window opens, according to information obtained by 90min.
The striker, who has been sidelined due to a gambling-related suspension, is on track to return to competitive action in January. This is when several top Premier League teams may test Brentford’s determination to keep him.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have engaged in discussions with Toney’s representatives, and sources have confirmed to 90min that the 27-year-old is determined to secure a January transfer away from the Gtech Community Stadium.
In January, Toney will enter the final year-and-a-half of his current contract, leaving Brentford with limited time to maximize their return on the striker’s sale.
Brentford is willing to demand a fee exceeding £80 million to let go of Toney, although Arsenal and Chelsea have explored the possibility of including players as part of the deal in an attempt to lower the overall cost.
Toney is reportedly taken aback by the high asking price set by Brentford and is now prepared to make an effort to persuade his current club to allow him to leave in January.
Earlier in the season, Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, admitted that Toney could be sold “for the right price” but cautioned potential suitors that high-quality players like Toney don’t come cheap.
“I believe that nearly every club in the world is open to selling players, except for a handful. We are also open to selling players if the right offer is on the table,” Frank stated in a Sky Sports interview.
He added, “If it’s the right time for the player to move, from my perspective, that’s not my decision; it would be up to Phil Giles, the director of football, or Matthew Benham, Brentford’s owner. If they have developed well with us and are now good enough to move to top clubs, then I think it’s the right move, provided the price is right.”
Frank praised Toney’s abilities, stating, “I consider him one of the best No. 9 strikers in the world. He scored 20 goals in the Premier League last year, which is a remarkable achievement, especially in a team like Brentford that doesn’t create as many chances as the top teams.”
He went on to express his belief that Toney could thrive in a top-tier team, projecting that he could easily score 20 to 25 goals. Frank highlighted Toney’s composure, finishing skills, and strong mentality, which have made him an attractive target for other clubs.
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