According to a report from Independent, it is anticipated that Chelsea will be among the clubs vying for Brentford’s Ivan Toney during the transfer window, as they still favor the idea of securing a reliable number nine. This preference stems from some uncertainty regarding whether Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja can fully convince as a sustainable long-term choice.
Toney’s Remarkable Performance In The Previous Premier League Season
Toney enjoyed an exceptional run of form at the Gtech Community Stadium in the last season, where he played a pivotal role as the primary striker for Brentford. Hailing from Northampton, the talented 27-year-old delivered outstanding performances, netting 21 goals and contributing five assists in 35 matches for the Bees across all competitions.
In Premier League matches, he showcased his abilities by averaging 2.8 shots, 0.8 key passes, and 0.5 successful dribbles per 90 minutes. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement in his ability to connect with his teammates in the attacking third, as his pass success rate in the top tier of English football stood at 62% (statistics from whoscored).
His existing contract with Brentford is set to expire in the summer of 2025. Nonetheless, he is presently under suspension by a sports court, spanning across different competitions, until January 27, 2024. Additionally, a number of Premier League clubs are vying for his signature so the West London club will have to make a significant offer in order to lure him to Stamford bridge.
Can Pochettino Bring Him To Chelsea In January?
Toney possesses the ability to generate significant power in his shot attempts and has established himself as an adept finisher when facing the opponent’s goal. He’s also shown flashes of creating opportunities for his teammates in the attacking third, although he needs to improve his timing on runs behind the opposition’s defensive line. Additionally, the English talent should work on enhancing his ball distribution in the forward area.
With a height of 1.85 meters, the Brentford center-forward can effectively use his robust physique to retain possession for his team. While Toney is still a work in progress, his natural finishing ability is a valuable asset that the Blues are currently in dire need of. His acquisition is expected to bolster Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking options.
At 27 years old, Toney is approaching his prime and has the potential to make an immediate impact at the West London club if Pochettino can secure his services next year.
All things considered, it would be a prudent move for Pochettino to pursue Toney, even if it entails a substantial transfer fee, as he could significantly enhance Chelsea’s competitiveness across various competitions in the upcoming seasons.
