Chelsea target Ivan Toney may not be the elite signing they need to close the gap on the teams above them.
That is according to ESPN pundit Craig Burley.
Brentford star Ivan Toney, 27, is strongly linked with a transfer exit in the summer. In fact, Bees manager Thomas Frank said this week that Toney will “probably” be sold at the end of the season, as quoted by BBC Sport.
Chelsea are one of the clubs frequently mentioned alongside Brentford’s centre-forward in the transfer rumour mill. Will we see him end up at Stamford Bridge, though?
Journalist Simon Phillips reported via Substack that Chelsea’s owners have internally discussed Toney as a possible option for the No 9 position.
Meanwhile, journalist Dean Jones told GiveMeSport that he’s convinced Chelsea will end up fighting with rivals Arsenal to get Toney’s signature.
Valued at £100m by Brentford (Sky Sports), Toney has scored two goals in two league games since returning from his ban.
Chelsea don’t need Ivan Toney
Craig Burley has suggested that Brentford’s frontman isn’t the right profile that Chelsea needs to make the next step.
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“If I was Chelsea I’d have to ask myself a question. If I want to be back amongst the big boys, if they’re spending that kind of money that’s where they want to be, is Ivan Toney going to be the answer? Really, is he at that level? I don’t think so,” Burley told ESPN.
“I think Chelsea will go with someone with more perceived gravitas. [Victor] Osimhen, a big name.”
We’re actually going to slightly disagree on this view.
Yes, Toney’s not got the track record of scoring goals under the pressure of playing for an elite club. However, his success in the division in Brentford colours makes a pretty strong argument that he’s ready for the next step in his career.
If Chelsea can negotiate a deal for Toney anywhere between £50-70m, we’d be very keen on a summer swoop for him. At £100m, we’d say it’s too big a risk for any potential buyer.
