Chelsea ‘consider £80m Deadline Day transfer’ for star sidelined until January
The summer splurge at Stamford Bridge isn't over amid reports Chelsea have another £80million target in their sights.
That's after reports emerged Mauricio Pochettino is lining up a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney – even though the England international is banned until January due to betting offences. Toney was charged with 232 breaches and banned from football for eight months in May, though he'll be free to return to training in September.
The Independent reported the Blues are still seeking a forward 'who can play across the attack', with Toney believed to fit the bill. Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson has been identified as a potential alternative, though Toney could be the easier purchase given he's already based in west London.
Chelsea have already invested more than £350m in new signings this summer as the Todd Boehly regime continues its free-spending approach. The club has managed to bring in around £210m through player sales, however, remodelling the team from top to bottom after last season's disastrous 12th-place finish in the Premier League.
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The majority of new faces have reinforced Pochettino's midfield and attack, with RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku looking extremely promising in pre-season after his £52m move. However, a serious knee injury in the club's final friendly of the summer has seen him ruled out until at least December.
Nicolas Jackson has also impressed since moving from Villarreal for around £30m, and the Senegal striker recently notched his first competitive Chelsea goal in a 3-0 win over Luton. However, it appears 'Poch' is eager to acquire more reinforcements up front before Friday's summer transfer window deadline.
Toney has been one of England's most reliable strikers in recent years and fired Brentford to the Premier League in his first season at the Gtech Community Stadium, netting 31 times in 45 Championship appearances for the Bees. He enjoyed his best Premier League campaign to date last term after scoring 20 goals in 33 top-flight outings, bagging against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Brighton.
While the Bees may not be keen on the thought of losing Toney, the prospect of cashing in for a premium price at a time when he can't even play for the club could appeal. The 27-year-old's contract is due to expire in the summer of 2025, and Toney's valuation will take a hit next year should he sense his opportunity to move elsewhere.
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During an appearance on the Diary of a CEO podcast earlier in August, Toney acknowledged his ambition to play at the 'top of the tree' and said he would be 'silly' not to consider his options if elite clubs came looking. Brentford boss Thomas Frank waved off any concerns over those comments and said it's 'normal' for major talents like Toney to have such thoughts.
Frank's side haven't been lacking in goals so far this season, using Yoane Wissa as their central attacking option while promoting record signing Kevin Schade in attack. Bryan Mbeumo is the club's top scorer so far this term having netted three times in as many starts, though the squad may need a late replacement of its own if Toney were to leave this week.
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