Following the revelation of Arsenal and Tottenham’s concerns, Chelsea will be able to execute a spectacular striker deal in January.
In January, the three London clubs are expected to look into the striker market. Arsenal is looking for a mid-season boost in what they think would be a title-winning season. Tottenham has the same desire, though their demands may be more acute.
Spurs declined to sign a straight replacement for Harry Kane this summer. Richarlison and, more lately, Son Heung-min have led the line instead.
Son, on the other hand, is scheduled to be absent for up to a month in early 2024 when South Korea competes in the Asian Cup.
Chelsea, on the other hand, continues to be horribly blunt in front of goal. Nicolas Jackson has shown promise but has also shown wastefulness at times throughout his early career at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s “priority” in 2024, according to Fabrizio Romano, is to sign a more potent frontman.
Ivan Toney is one center-forward whom the three teams are all keeping an eye on.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has previously stated that Toney will be available for sale once his ban for violating betting restrictions expires.
Toney will be allowed to play again on January 16, making a winter window move possible.
Brentford’s realistic asking price for Toney, according to transfer guru Romano, is £65 million. That is a significant fee, but given that Toney scored 20 goals in the EPL alone last season, it could soon prove to be money well spent.
Chelsea now have the upper hand in the race for Toney, according to a new report (as referenced by Goal).
Are Arsenal and Tottenham getting cold feet?
To begin, it should be noted that Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are both confirmed fans of Toney. Brentford’s asking price, on the other hand, has ‘raised questions’ about whether purchasing Toney would be a sensible investment.
According to the article, Brentford will consider bids around the £60 million range. Even that figure, which is £5 million less than Romano’s best estimate, is giving Tottenham and Arsenal pause.
The article does not explain why they are concerned, except for the obvious fact that £60 million is a large sum.
One idea is that they are anxious that Toney will not be as successful as he once was after missing eight months of activity.
In any case, if Tottenham and Arsenal acquire cold feet, the door appears to be open for Chelsea to walk through.
If the much-anticipated bidding war does not materialize, Chelsea may be able to sign Toney for less than they had intended.