Chelsea Football Club has made a last-minute move to sign Brentford striker, Ivan Toney. This comes as a surprise turn of events as Toney was reportedly set to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli. The Blues are now looking to hijack his move before the transfer window closes.
Toney had seemingly agreed on a transfer deal with Al-Ahli, but Chelsea entered the race after their negotiations with Napoli's Victor Osimhen hit a roadblock. Osimhen's wage demands were reported to be an issue, and this could potentially see Toney ending up at Stamford Bridge instead.
The England international is in the final year of his contract at Brentford and has been linked with a move away from West London for some time now. He hasn't featured in Brentford's opening Premier League matches, leading manager Thomas Frank to comment: "A lot of things going on with Ivan."
Chelsea’s search for a proven goalscorer
Chelsea is keen on signing an established goalscorer before the transfer window shuts down and they are confident that they can persuade Toney to stay in the Premier League. This confidence stems despite Al-Ahli having offered him an attractive contract.
The proposed transfer fee is said to be 'reasonable' and it appears that Toney will fit into Chelsea's wage structure seamlessly. The 28-year-old Brentford striker has scored 36 goals in 85 Premier League games for Brentford and has previously expressed his desire openly about joining a bigger club.
Interesting window for Chelsea
This late swoop by Chelsea adds another layer of intrigue into what promises to be an exciting end-of-transfer-window period. If successful, this move could provide both parties - Chelsea FC seeking more firepower upfront, and Ivan Toney desiring bigger platforms - exactly what they want.
For sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts, this potential transfer is one to watch closely. It could significantly impact Chelsea's performance in the Premier League and alter the odds in sports betting markets.
