Chelsea 'strongly considering big-money January offer'
Cameron Smith
- 20 Nov 2023 17:13 GMT
- 3 min read
Chelsea remain keen on signing Brentford forward Ivan Toney, according to reports, and are planning on launching a “big-money January offer” for the Englishman.
Toney is currently serving a footballing ban after pleading guilty to over 200 betting breaches earlier this year, but will be able to make his return in January.
The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a transfer during the winter window, although Brentford have not ruled out the possibility of him staying at the club.
Some reports have suggested that Chelsea have turned their attention away from Toney and are instead prioritising a move for Victor Osimhen.
However, Football.London’s Bobby Vincent has reported that Toney remains a key target and has revealed that Chelsea are “strongly considering making a big-money offer to Brentford in the January transfer window.”
The Blues’ chances of signing Toney have been boosted after FootballTransfers exclusively reported that Tottenham Hotspur have dropped their interest in the former England international in favour of pursuing Barcelona winger Raphinha.
The Blaugrana are set to demand €70 million for the Brazilian, who joined the Camp Nou side from Leeds United last summer.
On the other hand, Chelsea have seemingly not given up on signing Toney and remain keen on landing the Brentford man, as per Football.London, despite reports stating that Osimhen is now their focus.
Toney “wants” Brentford stay, admits Thomas Frank
Staying at Brentford remains an option for Toney, despite interest from England’s biggest clubs, and Bees manager Thomas Frank believes the forward could stay where he is for a little while longer.
He recently told the media: “He [Toney] is happy at the club. I want him to stay. Ivan is happy to stay. He's happy at the club. What happens in the future is impossible to guess about.
“Ivan's skill set in terms of finishing, composure in those moments, link-up play, presence, character.
“He is a very good package. It's not for me to put a price tag on him, it is down to the club. I'm happy with him and I hope he plays here forever.”
