Chelsea 'could move for Ivan Toney next summer'

Chelsea could reportedly move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney during next summer's transfer window.

The Blues are expected to be in the market for a new centre-forward at the end of the campaign, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang potentially leaving after just one season at the club.

Romelu Lukaku is due to return to Stamford Bridge next year following a loan spell at Inter Milan, although there remains huge uncertainty surrounding the Belgian's long-term future at the club.

According to journalist Pete O'Rourke, Chelsea will be looking to sign "a new number nine" ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, and Toney has emerged as a target for the club.

"I think Chelsea long-term will be looking to bring in a number nine, probably this summer," O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT. "I don't think Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the long-term answer due to his form and his age probably.

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"So, I think Chelsea will be looking at him [Toney]. If you're looking at Premier League strikers and ones that are probably more gettable than others, Ivan Toney definitely comes into the reckoning."

Toney has been in impressive form for Brentford during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering three assists in 16 appearances in all competitions.

The 26-year-old has 10 Premier League goals to his name this term, including a brace against Manchester City in Brentford's win over the champions before the break for the World Cup.

In total, the forward has netted 58 goals and registered 19 assists in 105 appearances for the Bees since making the move from Peterborough United in September 2020.

Toney has proven that he can find the back of the net in the Premier League, meanwhile, boasting a record of 22 goals in 47 appearances during his time with Thomas Frank's side.

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A move for the forward could be complicated, though, as the Football Association recently charged him with misconduct relating to 232 alleged breaches of betting rules.

"Ivan Toney has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the FA's betting rules," read a statement from the FA.

"It is alleged that the Brentford FC forward breached FA rule E8 232 times between February 25, 2017 and January 23, 2021. Ivan Toney has until Thursday, November 24 to provide a response."

Toney had been tipped to earn a spot in the England squad for the 2022 World Cup due to his form this season, but the forward was ultimately overlooked by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.