Chelsea’s recruitment team have ‘put forward’ Ivan Toney’s name as a possible candidate to lead their forward line next season, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.
The 26-year-old has been in fine form for Brentford so far this season, supposedly catching the eye of some of the Premier League’s heavyweights as they search for a reliable source of goals.
Chelsea transfer news – Ivan Toney
Back in August, The Mirror claimed that Chelsea had joined Manchester United and Everton in pursuing a move for Toney after offloading both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.
Reliable CBS reporter Ben Jacobs then told GMS that Newcastle United has also enquired about the former Peterborough United star’s availability over the summer, only to be put off by his £50 million price tag.
Toney still has two and a half years left to run on his current contract in west London, leaving Brentford in a very strong position around the negotiating table.
However, a dark cloud is looming over the talented striker after he was charged with 262 alleged breaches of FA betting rules at the end of 2022, and an investigation is still ongoing.
Toney could face a lengthy ban of at least six months if he is found to have bet on his own team, putting his immediate future and availability in doubt.
What has Phillips said about Toney?
Phillips has informed GMS that Toney is a player firmly on Chelsea’s radar at this moment in time but that the club’s hierarchy are going to have to wait and see what the outcome of this investigation surrounding him is.
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He said: “Ivan Toney is a player that Chelsea really like, and that's from the new regime and the new recruitment team. He's a name that they put forward.
“But obviously the situation with his gambling issues and what's going to happen there, what kind of ban he’s going to get, Chelsea have to wait and see what happens. But Toney is a strong candidate for a striker in the summer.”
How well has Toney been playing?
Toney enjoyed a productive maiden campaign in the Premier League last term, registering 14 goals and six assists in 37 appearances across all competitions with 12 of those strikes coming in the top-flight.
And the in-demand star has taken his game to new heights this time around, racking up 18 goal contributions in just 20 outings for the Bees.
As per FBref, Toney has also ranked in the 94th percentile for interceptions and the 85th for aerial duels won, highlighting how Toney is becoming a complete centre-forward.
Chelsea may be able to strengthen Graham Potter’s attacking options by bringing in Toney, yet the FA’s verdict on his gambling issues could deter them from making a move.