Ivan Toney is refusing to sign a new contract with Brentford and this reluctance is going to spike the interest of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur amongst a few other teams who have all been keeping tabs on the 28-year-old.
Toney’s contract with the Bees expires in 2025 but according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the forward is not going to sign a new deal and he is currently looking for a fresh challenge. Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been linked with the English forward and now that he is ready to leave, all three could come sniffing around.
“It’s an interesting situation with Ivan Toney. As it stands, he is clearly not going to sign a new contract at Brentford,” Sheth said on Sky Sports.
“It is thought Brentford want £60m for him. He has now entered the final year of his contract which could impact on his price the later in the window it gets.
“While Brentford will want to cash in this summer, all outcomes remain possible. Toney is, of course, at Euro 2024 with England and his future is likely to become clearer once the tournament is over.”
Which one of the three London sides is most likely to sign Ivan Toney?
A couple of months ago, Arsenal were the favourites to sign the Bees striker but right now, the Gunners are the least likely to go after the 28-year-old.
Arsenal seem to have cooled off their interest in Toney and Mikel Arteta is keen to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. Gyokeres has a massive release clause but Arsenal feels he is the right man to lead the line.
Chelsea, like Arsenal, are also not likely to go for Ivan Toney because the new manager prefers Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. The Blues are ready to spend money on the Nigerian international and as per some rumours, Napoli are also willing to give a discount on his €130 million release clause if any club makes serious negotiations.
With Chelsea and Arsenal seemingly out of this transfer battle, Tottenham could be running a one-horse race to land Ivan Toney. Paying €70 million will be a bit of a stretch for Spurs but they haven’t been able to replace Harry Kane and Ange will have to be backed with a new striker this summer or else the Lilywhites won’t be able to challenge for the top-four spot next season.
A move to Tottenham might not be the preference for Ivan Toney but if the England international desperately wants an upgrade then a move to the white half of North London is his best bet right now.
