Arsenal and Chelsea given major Ivan Toney transfer update as price tag plummets

Brentford striker Ivan Toney
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea -Credit:Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images


The asking price for Brentford striker Ivan Toney has reportedly dropped significantly. The 28-year-old has scored four times in 13 games since returning to action, as well as getting his first goal for England.

Toney was heavily linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea throughout the January transfer window and the striker has been open about his desire to challenge himself at a team competing for major honours. Brentford boss Thomas Frank previously stuck a £100m price tag on his star striker, with the Bees fighting to avoid relegation this season.

football.london understands that Arsenal will be in the market for a different profile of striker, while Chelsea do hold an interest in Toney but prefer Napoli forward Victor Osimhen. However, both clubs’ stances could change in the summer as the England international enters the final year of his contract.

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Sky Sport Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that Toney could leave Brentford in the summer, stating that his price tag is currently valued between £30-40m. West Ham United are said to have asked about Toney’s availability, while both Arsenal and Chelsea are ‘monitoring’ his situation.

The cut-price fee may persuade either Arsenal or Chelsea to change their stances on the striker. Brentford technical director Lee Dykes has likened Toney’s contract situation to goalkeeper David Raya, who signed a new two-year deal with the Bees before joining the Gunners on loan with an option to buy last summer.

“He’s got aspirations to play at a higher level, which is fine, but it’s got to be on Brentford's terms, obviously,” Dykes said. “And we've got to do it as a recruitment department, and it's particularly my role.

"I've just got to be ready to know that there may be a situation where we're looking to bring somebody in if Ivan leaves the club, but there's also a situation where Ivan stays at the club, and that's what we all want. We want Ivan to stay at the club and play Premier League football for Brentford for years to come.”

“Whoever does take him will be very lucky to have him,” he added. “That is if he obviously leaves Brentford one day, but hopefully, he’ll stay for a short period for time to come."