Romano drops Ivan Toney transfer update: Chelsea and Arsenal progressing on Brentford deal

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • Updated: 20 Sept 2023 07:07 BST
  • 4 min read
Ivan Toney, Brentford, 2022/23
© ProShots

Ivan Toney plans to leave Brentford in 2024, with Chelsea and Arsenal both chasing the striker, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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FootballTransfers revealed exclusively earlier in September that Newcastle have entered the race to sign the once-capped England player along with Manchester United and Tottenham, while Romano adds that the two London giants are making moves to secure a deal.

Toney, 27, is actively seeking to leave Brentford next year, when an FA-enforced suspension around a gambling ban expires, yet it remains unclear whether he will depart the Gtech Community Stadium in January or the summer.

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Romano stated on his YouTube channel: “He appointed a new agent because he wants to try a new experience. Many top clubs have made contact with Toney.

“I can reveal to you a couple of months ago, Italian clubs also asked for information but the Premier League is the priority of the player.

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“Chelsea are well informed of the situation of the player, but also Arsenal are well informed on the situation of the potential deal. So both clubs have asked for information – let’s see if other clubs join the race.

“At the moment, we can guarantee that both Chelsea and Arsenal are informed on the situation of Ivan Toney.”

Ivan Toney
© ProShots - Ivan Toney

Will Brentford sell Toney?

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has left the door open for Toney to depart the club, but only if the Bees receive a sizeable offer.

“I understand why there are a lot of rumours out there about him. For me, I think he’s one of the best strikers. As a No 9, I don’t see many out there in the world who are better,” he told Sky Sports on Monday.

“Of course we have Harry Kane, Robert Lewandoski, Erling] Haaland and these types. But not many scored 20 goals in the Premier League last year, in of course a very good Brentford side, but one which is not creating as many chances as the top six or seven teams.

“But he’s a Brentford player now. And with today’s market and the prices for No.6 position players, when we all know goalscorers and strikers are the most expensive ones, I guess that would be very expensive - unless it’s changed that you pay more for a No.6 than a striker.”

Brentford's record sale is the €34m deal that took Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa in 2020 - a figure that Toney looks set to smash when he returns from his ban on 1 January, 2024.

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