Man City a SHOCK rival to Chelsea for goal machine

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 21 Aug 2024 12:47 BST
4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester City have emerged as a potential shock rival to Chelsea for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

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Toney is almost certain to leave Brentford before the end of the summer transfer window, with his contract expiring next year.

According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea remain the favourites to sign Toney from the Premier League, with all other major English clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham and even Man Utd now out of the race.

However, GiveMeSport suggest that Man City could emerge as a shock suitor for Toney in the last days of the window.

City are searching for a new attacker to replace Julian Alvarez, who left the club this month to join Atletico Madrid.

The champions need a backup to Erling Haaland, and Toney would fit the bill.

The report adds that City have not yet made an offer for Toney but they are one to watch over the next week and a half.

The other potential destination for Toney is Saudi Arabia.

Footmercato reports that Al-Ahli, one of the four PIF-owned giants, have made contact with Toney and presented an eye-watering contract proposal.

The England star has a three-year deal on the table worth at least €54m over the duration of his time in Jeddah. That amounts to €18m per season or €350,000 per week.

Toney is considering the offer but is likely to wait for concrete proposals from the Premier League before making his decision.

Dropped by the Bees for their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, it is evident that the 28-year-old is gearing up for an exit.

Coach Thomas Frank confirmed as much when he stated that “a deal is not close but we hope it will be," expressing a desire to get the wantaway star off the books as quickly as possible. "He has been one of our best players, if not our best player over a long spell.

“Like with any good player, one day they will leave. All the top players in the Premier League, one day they will leave the club and someone else needs to step up and do well."

Toney back from ban

Toney missed the first half of last season due to a betting ban but returned to playing in January after which he scored four goals, but none since February.

Toney was selected in England’s Euro 2024 squad but barely played.

His only real contribution was in the last 16 against Slovakia when he came on as a late substitute to help Jude Bellingham score a late equaliser. England went on to win in extra time but eventually lost in the final to Spain.

He has had a goal-filled career at Brentford, though, scoring 72 goals in 141 games.