According to a report from Metro, Mauricio Pochettino has verified that Chelsea are actively formulating their plan for the upcoming January transfer window, amidst rumors suggesting they are poised to compete with Arsenal in pursuit of Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
Remarkable Performance By Toney In English Football Last Season
Toney enjoyed an outstanding season with Brentford recently, but he is currently suspended from all club-related activities until January 17, 2024, due to a sports court decision. The 27-year-old striker was in top form, scoring 21 goals and providing five assists in 35 matches for Brentford across all competitions last season.
The English sensation impressively led the attack at the Gtech Community Stadium, averaging 2.8 shots, 0.8 key passes, and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. However, he displayed some room for improvement in his passing accuracy in the final third, with a pass completion rate of 62% in the English top division (statistics courtesy of Whoscored).
His existing contract with Brentford is set to expire in the summer of 2025. Consequently, if Chelsea aims to secure his services during the forthcoming January transfer window, they will need to present an enticing offer.
Can Chelsea Successfully Tempt Him Away?
Toney possesses the ability to create space for himself and take shots on goal, showcasing his proficiency as a finisher in the attacking third when in peak form. The English talent also exhibits the capacity to craft opportunities for his fellow forwards and exhibits skillful dribbling with the ball.
As a result, it’s reasonable to anticipate that he would significantly bolster the attacking firepower for Chelsea under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino. Toney’s skills and form suggest that he could vie for a consistent starting role at Stamford Bridge in the upcoming season.
At 27 years of age, Toney is currently in his prime, rendering him an appealing prospect for the West London club to pursue in the January transfer window. His familiarity with the Premier League further reduces the adjustment period he might need upon joining the West London club.
In conclusion, Pochettino would be wise to orchestrate a move to secure Toney’s services at Stamford Bridge next year, as he has the potential to enhance Chelsea’s competitiveness across all competitions in the foreseeable future. However, it’s worth noting that Arsenal and Newcastle also loom as potential suitors, making the task of enticing him away from his current club challenging for Chelsea.
