Chelsea have made a late move to try and sign England international, Ivan Toney. The Brentford forward is said to have an incredible offer from Saudi Arabia, but now may have a choice to make with the Blues at the table.
Despite Chelsea having already signed 10 players this summer, their business is seemingly far from over. Toney would bring goals to Stamford Bridge having hit double figures in his two full seasons in the Premier League.
Chelsea make ambitious move to sign Ivan Toney
The Blues have signed a lot of attacking players this summer and ones who can operate out wide and behind the striker. However, that main focal point has been lacking, and Enzo Maresca is seemingly set to get someone who can reliably put the ball in the back of the net.
All of the pressure last season was placed on the shoulders of Nicolas Jackson in his debut Premier League campaign. The Senegalese international played 35 of the 38 games in the Premier League scoring 14 goals, although did squander several golden opportunities, finishing the campaign with an XG of over 18 (FBRef).
Jackson’s days of being the only senior striker at Stamford Bridge could soon be over. Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol is reporting that Chelsea are set to make a move for wantaway Brentford man, Toney, who also has an offer from Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
Toney could be handed a Premier League lifeline
For a long time, it appeared as though Saudi Arabia was the only option for Toney this summer. The English striker had always been holding out for a European offer – or more specifically the Premier League – and that patience may well pay off if Chelsea can agree a deal with the Bees.
It’s believed that Brentford want around £50 million for Toney – half of what Thomas Frank claimed he was worth earlier this year – which could be regarded as a bargain. The lack of interest in Toney has likely come from last season’s poor showing upon a return from his suspension in which he scored just four goals in 17 league appearances.
Do Chelsea need Toney?
Looking at the numbers, Jackson did a very good job in difficult circumstances last season, so should be afforded the chance to lead the line once again. However, underperforming his XG by over 4.0 is a huge concern, and if Toney is available for around £50 million, it may be too good of a deal to turn down.
While a lot has been made about Chelsea’s transfer business under Todd Boehly, the one area they’ve often neglected is centre-forward. Jackson is the only first team ready striker to have walked through the door, so a more experienced and tested forward in Toney should be a no-brainer.