Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'leading Chelsea in race for Ivan Toney'

By Ben Sully | 21 December 2023

Arsenal are reportedly leading Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the January transfer window.

Arsenal are reportedly ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

Despite not playing a competitive match since May, Toney's Brentford future continues to draw intense transfer speculation.

With his eight-month ban for breaching betting regulations set to expire in the middle of next month, Toney is emerging as a target for some of the Premier League's biggest clubs.

Amid links with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, Brentford technical director Lee Dykes recently admitted that the forward could be on his way out of the club "very shortly".

According to The Independent, the Gunners are currently in pole position to secure the England international's signature.

Brentford forward Ivan Toney after scoring against Gillingham in the EFL Cup on November 8, 2022. © Reuters

While Chelsea could be Arsenal's main rival in the race to sign Toney, the Blues may struggle to pull off a deal due to concerns over Financial Fair Play.

The West London club supposedly need to offload players before they can pursue a move for the Brentford striker, who is likely to command an initial fee of £60m which could rise to £80m depending on add-ons.

Although Arsenal are also dealing with Financial Fair Play concerns, a deal may be possible if they compromise on their wish of making four January signings.

The Gunners are reportedly keen to recruit two full-backs, a midfielder and a centre-forward when the transfer window opens next month.

There is a belief that Arsenal's performance compared to Chelsea this season also makes them a more attractive proposition.

Brentford's Ivan Toney celebrates scoring their first goal with Bryan Mbeumo on November 12, 2022 © Reuters

Mikel Arteta's side are currently sitting one point clear at the top of the Premier League table, while Chelsea are 17 points adrift in 10th position.

With Arsenal looking to win their first league title since 2003-04, they may view Toney as a player who could make a difference in their bid to clinch the silverware.

The 27-year-old, who has scored 68 goals in 124 games for the Bees, is said to be excited by the prospect of joining the Premier League leaders.

Toney has also been previously linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, but it appears unlikely that they will pursue a deal in January.