Chelsea make late move to sign Brentford’s Ivan Toney

Chelsea have reportedly made a move to sign Brentford forward Ivan Toney.

The England international is expected to leave Brentford before the summer transfer window closes on 30 August and Chelsea are now pushing to purchase him, according to Sky Sports.

Toney, 28, has been excluded from Brentford’s matchday squad for both of their Premier League matches so far this season, with Thomas Frank citing “transfer speculation” as the reason for his absence.

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Al-Ahli had appeared to be Toney’s most likely next destination, but Chelsea have rekindled their interest in the player, as per Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

He posted on X: “Chelsea have made a move to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford. They want a proven goalscorer to be their new No. 9.

“He will fit into their wage structure and transfer fee will be reasonable. Toney has incredible offer from Saudi but Chelsea can offer Premier League football.”

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Chelsea are also interested in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen and a move for the Nigerian seemed on the cards following reports that Paris Saint-Germain have pulled out of the race to sign him.

However, Enzo Maresca’s side are now eyeing a potential move for Toney during the final few days of the summer transfer window.

The England international scored four goals in 17 Premier League appearances last season, while he featured for his country at Euro 2024, providing an assist for Harry Kane’s extra-time goal against Slovakia in the last-16.

Ivan Toney to snub Saudi Arabia?

News of Chelsea’s renewed interest in Toney comes following reports that he has accepted a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

According to Ben Jacobs, the Englishman has accepted Al-Ahli’s contract proposal worth close to €60m over three years, and the Saudi Arabian club are now in talks with Brentford to finalise a fee.

The Bees are reportedly holding out for a fee of €59m (£50m) for Toney.