Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham could all enter a ‘bidding war’ to sign Brentford forward Ivan Toney during the January transfer window.
Toney is a target for a number of Premier League clubs despite his current suspension for breaching the FA’s gambling restrictions, with London’s leading sides all reportedly keen on a potential deal.
Toney is banned from football until mid-January, at which point football.london are reporting that sides could make a move for the England international. The 27-year-old recently changed agent, sparking speculation that he is preparing to leave Brentford.
Chelsea are understood to hold a long-standing interest in Toney, who has scored 32 goals in 66 Premier League appearances since Brentford’s promotion into the top-flight.
The Blues are said to be leading the race for Toney, as Mauricio Pochettino targets a Premier League proven option to compliment summer arrivals Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea are ‘doing the groundwork’ ahead of a potential deal as the club look to offload Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah to raise funds. The west Londoners could face competition from capital rivals Arsenal and Spurs however, with each open to centre-forward signings.
Spurs sold Harry Kane during the summer and while Brennan Johnson arrived from Nottingham Forest, Toney would represent a more recognised number nine option for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Arsenal, meanwhile, saw Folarin Balogun depart for AS Monaco and Toney recently spoke on his admiration for the Gunners.
“I’ve been a Liverpool fan my whole life, but from young I’ve liked Arsenal,” he told the Diary of a CEO podcast. “I’ve liked watching Arsenal and how they play and how passionate their fans are.”
