Ivan Toney’s price tag revealed as Thomas Frank compares striker to Benzema and Lewandowski

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 12 May 2023 16:19 BST
• 3 min read

Brentford manager Thomas Frank believes Ivan Toney is worth “£100 million plus” as rumours of a transfer exit continue to rumble on.

Toney, 29, is wanted by several clubs in the Premier League, with Chelsea keeping a keen eye on him as they prepare to raid Brentford this summer. The Blues are also admirers of Thomas Frank, although Mauricio Pochettino is set to be appointed as the club’s next manager soon, while David Raya is high on their list of possible replacements for Kepa Arrizbalaga.

But, the England international, who has one cap for his nation, won’t come cheap.

READ: EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea plan Brentford raid as Osimhen ruled out

What has Thomas Frank said?

Speaking ahead of his side’s clash against West Ham United on Sunday, Frank was asked how much his striker is worth.

“£100m plus,” he said. “I love Ivan and it’s fantastic what he has achieved here, and there is more for him to achieve here. I’m really happy he is a Brentford player.

“There are some players every time they come up to one level, they kick on and continue. He did well in League One, then the Championship, first year [in the Premier League] 12 goals, now he is on 20 and hopefully getting more. What is the limit? He has a very good potential.

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“I know he is not 22, but look at some of the best strikers in the world: (Robert) Lewandowski, (Karim) Benzema. It’s like good wine; they just keep getting better.

“What would you pay for a striker that guarantees you 20-plus goals? And this is 20 goals for a mid-table club. What can he do in a bigger club?”

Frank also spoke about the possibility of losing Raya amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. “There is no doubt David is a case where there is one year left and we will see what will happen,” he revealed.

“We are very happy with David here, everybody knows he is a £40m-plus goalkeeper if anyone is interested. There is a possibility he will maybe leave this summer for the right price. If that happens we need to be prepared like we are at left-back, right-back, striker.”