Toney or Osimhen? Chelsea make shock decision on striker pursuit

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 30 Aug 2024 20:49 BST
• 4 min read

It's been a developing story throughout Deadline Day but any suggestion Ivan Toney may move to Chelsea is now over.

The Brentford striker emerged as a target for the Blues this window, though it's widely reported that their top target is Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Al-Ahli are also keen on both players but they can only register one, potentially leaving the Blues with the other.

BREAKING NEWS! Transfer Deadline Day Live! Minute-by-minute updates of all the biggest deals

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, however, has reported that Toney and Chelsea will not happen.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, he posted: "Chelsea are now totally out of the race for Ivan Toney. They expect him to move to Al Ahli."

Current ETV

Ivan Toney

F (C)

Brentford

Ivan Toney

F (C)

Brentford

€14.8M

ETV Range

€11.1M - €18.5M

View full profile

It comes after Fabrizio Romano reported that the Saudi Pro League club will not proceed with their move for Osimhen and will instead focus on Toney.

The Saudi giants had been in talks with both No/9s but a deal for the Napoli sharpshooter is now looking increasingly unlikely. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that there have been 'issues' during the talks with the Nigerian, which has now led to Al-Ahli opting to drop any transfer.

Osimhen and Chelsea still on

At one point earlier in the day, it appeared as though Osimhen would agree a lucrative deal with the Jeddah outfit. Al-Hilal had already struck terms with Napoli and had already broadly agreed on a transfer fee, but a move to the Middle East was always seen as a last resort for the 25-year-old.

BREAKING NEWS! Transfer Deadline Day Live! Minute-by-minute updates of all the biggest deals

Instead, Al-Ahli will now focus all their attention on completing the signing of Brentford and England forward Ivan Toney after the 28-year-old gave the green light for the move earlier this week.

Toney has done the first part of his medical in London and Romano reports that Al-Ahli are trying to finalise his signing though it's not clear when it will be announced.

Osimhen is keen on the move to Stamford Bridge but Chelsea still need to convince him to agree to fit into their 'incentive-driven' wage structure.

DEADLINE DAY: Every confirmed transfer around Europe

The Blues are unwilling to match the 25-year-old's current Napoli salary and this has so far proved a major issue. Moreover, Chelsea are looking for a loan move, which does not appeal to the player unless it includes an obligation to purchase him next summer.