Chelsea have decided against signing a £50m-rated transfer target this summer because they think he’s too old.
It’s been pretty clear during the two years of this ownership that Chelsea have put a huge focus on signing young talents with big futures. Of course, the danger of that is it’s left the first-team squad lacking experience.
Journalist Simon Phillips reported via Substack back in April that Chelsea are scrapping their U25 rule. It’s a transfer policy where they’ve stuck to only signing Under-25 players. In fairness, Blues summer signings Tosin Adarabioyo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are aged 26 and 25, respectively.
It’s going to be interesting to see what the squad looks like for Enzo Maresca once the new season begins.
Chelsea think Ivan Toney is too old
According to The Sun, Chelsea are one of the clubs to make it clear that they’ve got no interest in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer. Arsenal and Manchester United have pulled out of the race for him, too.
It is explained that Chelsea believe the 28-year-old Englishman, who turns 29 next March, is too old for them.
The report adds that Brentford could slash their asking price for Toney to less than £50m, with Tottenham and West Ham the most likely suitors.
Overlooking Ivan Toney would be a terrible decision
If true, Chelsea are making an absolute howler with this.
Brentford star Toney could be a great signing for any of the top Premier League clubs, especially for a fee under £50m.
The centre-forward is in the prime of his career. In terms of what he’d bring to Chelsea, it would be fantastic to have his experience, leadership and quality on the pitch.
He’s scored 36 goals in 83 Premier League appearances for Brentford, so imagine what he could do in a better side.
Described as “special” by Tony Cascarino via talkSPORT, Toney fits so much of what Chelsea need in the No 9 position. He could definitely be one that they regret missing out on this summer.
Instead, the Blues have been linked this week with a Ligue 1 forward. It’s been claimed by L’Equipe that Chelsea have contacted Elye Wahi, the 21-year-old Lens striker who’s still developing.
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