Romano drops Ivan Toney transfer update: Chelsea and Arsenal progressing on Brentford deal
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 20 Sept 2023 07:07 BST
- 4 min read
Ivan Toney plans to leave Brentford in 2024, with Chelsea and Arsenal both chasing the striker, according to Fabrizio Romano.
FootballTransfers revealed exclusively earlier in September that Newcastle have entered the race to sign the once-capped England player along with Manchester United and Tottenham, while Romano adds that the two London giants are making moves to secure a deal.
Toney, 27, is actively seeking to leave Brentford next year, when an FA-enforced suspension around a gambling ban expires, yet it remains unclear whether he will depart the Gtech Community Stadium in January or the summer.
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Romano stated on his YouTube channel: “He appointed a new agent because he wants to try a new experience. Many top clubs have made contact with Toney.
“I can reveal to you a couple of months ago, Italian clubs also asked for information but the Premier League is the priority of the player.
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“Chelsea are well informed of the situation of the player, but also Arsenal are well informed on the situation of the potential deal. So both clubs have asked for information – let’s see if other clubs join the race.
“At the moment, we can guarantee that both Chelsea and Arsenal are informed on the situation of Ivan Toney.”
Will Brentford sell Toney?
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has left the door open for Toney to depart the club, but only if the Bees receive a sizeable offer.
“I understand why there are a lot of rumours out there about him. For me, I think he’s one of the best strikers. As a No 9, I don’t see many out there in the world who are better,” he told Sky Sports on Monday.
“Of course we have Harry Kane, Robert Lewandoski, Erling] Haaland and these types. But not many scored 20 goals in the Premier League last year, in of course a very good Brentford side, but one which is not creating as many chances as the top six or seven teams.
“But he’s a Brentford player now. And with today’s market and the prices for No.6 position players, when we all know goalscorers and strikers are the most expensive ones, I guess that would be very expensive - unless it’s changed that you pay more for a No.6 than a striker.”
Brentford's record sale is the €34m deal that took Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa in 2020 - a figure that Toney looks set to smash when he returns from his ban on 1 January, 2024.
