Chelsea’s bid for Ivan Toney faces a setback as Arsenal takes the lead in pursuing the Brentford striker ahead of the January transfer window, according to the Evening Standard. Despite interest from Chelsea and Tottenham, Toney is favoring a move to title-chasing Arsenal.
Initially considered a likely destination for the England forward, Chelsea’s poor performance this season has diminished their standing in the transfer race.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team faces challenges in the current transfer window, and the financial constraints limit their ability to secure Toney, who demands an upfront payment of £60 million and a potential total cost of £80 million.
While Spurs are also interested, they are deemed outsiders as they struggle to match Brentford’s asking price. Chelsea’s form has taken a toll, with just 22 points after 17 games, placing them tenth in the league standings. Despite a recent Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United, their league performance has been subpar.
The upcoming schedule includes critical games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace, and Luton Town as Chelsea aims to improve their league standing. Toney, a top-notch No. 9, could be a transformative addition for Chelsea, but the likelihood of securing him appears to be diminishing.
In an interview last month, Shaun Wright-Phillips emphasized Toney’s potential impact, describing him as a “tremendous” addition for either Chelsea or Arsenal.
The media’s focus on Arsenal’s current lead in the pursuit adds to the narrative surrounding Toney’s potential move, highlighting the competitive dynamics and financial considerations influencing the transfer landscape.
