Arsenal is reportedly gearing up to make a bid for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, fueling speculation that a bidding war could soon unfold with Chelsea over the 28-year-old forward.
Toney, who has not yet played for Brentford this season amidst ongoing rumors about his future, is expected to depart the club this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
Interest in Toney has been widespread, with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, and Manchester United all expressing interest in the England international.
However, recent reports suggest that Arsenal and Chelsea have surged ahead in the race to secure Toney’s signature.
Additionally, Toney has attracted significant attention from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, who have made him one of their top transfer targets this summer.
Reports indicate that Toney has already agreed to personal terms with Al-Ahli, which would see him earn an impressive £330,000 per week.
Despite this, Brentford has reportedly turned down multiple offers from the Saudi Pro League club, as they continue to hold out for a satisfactory transfer fee.
Chelsea, on the other hand, is said to be considering Toney as a potential alternative to Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen remains Chelsea’s primary target, as they seek to add competition for Nicolas Jackson in the starting lineup at Stamford Bridge.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea is currently “in active talks” with Osimhen regarding his salary, while Al-Ahli is also waiting in the wings should Chelsea’s negotiations with Osimhen fail to materialize.
If Chelsea is unable to secure Osimhen, Toney is seen as a viable backup option, alongside Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
However, a recent report from Football Insider has revealed that Arsenal is now planning a surprise move for Toney.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Arsenal has been closely monitoring Toney’s situation and is preparing to submit a formal bid.
This move is likely motivated by the recent departure of Eddie Nketiah, who joined Crystal Palace for a reported £25 million, leaving Arsenal in need of bolstering their attacking options.
The late interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea has the potential to spark a bidding war, which could ultimately benefit Brentford as they look to secure a reasonable fee for Toney, who is nearing the end of his contract.
Furthermore, with the Saudi Arabian transfer window remaining open until September 2, Al-Ahli has an additional three days to complete a deal if English clubs fail to finalize a transfer for Toney.
The prospect of Arsenal signing Toney has garnered support from notable figures in the football world, including former England striker and current pundit Gary Lineker.
Lineker has publicly endorsed Arsenal’s potential move for Toney, suggesting that the striker would be an excellent addition to the squad at the Emirates Stadium.
Lineker stated, “I like Ivan Toney a lot. I think he’s super talented and offers something completely different from what Arsenal currently has.
He’s a real threat and technically a really good footballer, so I think he would fit in well at Arsenal. Once a player is left out like this, it usually means they are on their way out.”
Toney’s absence from Brentford’s matchday squads has only intensified speculation that his departure is imminent, and with several top clubs vying for his signature, it remains to be seen where the striker will end up.
Arsenal’s entry into the race has certainly added an intriguing twist to the transfer saga, and it could ultimately push Chelsea into making a decisive move for either Toney or Osimhen.
Meanwhile, Brentford stands to benefit financially from the situation, as they could drive up the price in what could become one of the most closely watched transfer battles of the summer.