Fabrizio Romano believes that Brentford striker Ivan Toney would prefer to join Arsenal over Chelsea if he is to move on in 2024.
Chelsea have some doubts about signing Ivan Toney and the Brentford striker may prefer a move to Arsenal anyway.
That is according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who has been speaking on Kick Streaming about Toney’s future.
The Brentford hitman has been ruled out so far this season having been hit with a ban for gambling offences.
Toney’s ban ends in January and he is gearing up for a return to action – and potentially a transfer.
Fabrizio Romano comments on Ivan Toney future
Arsenal and Chelsea have both been heavily linked with Toney as they seek to land new strikers in 2024.
Nicolas Jackson has potential but Chelsea may need a more experienced forward to help him with Toney fitting the bill.
Arsenal are going for the Premier League title and may feel that adding a proven Premier League goalscorer in Toney can help make the difference.
Romano now claims that Toney is a ‘possibility’ for Arsenal in January as they look to add another goalscorer.
Romano notes that Toney is on Chelsea’s list but they ‘are not 100% convinced about him’ – and Toney may actually prefer signing for Arsenal anyway.
“For Arsenal I would include Ivan Toney, because he’s another possibility for Arsenal,” said Romano. “He’s also in the list of Chelsea but Chelsea are not 100% convinced about Toney and also, from what I am hearing, the player’s idea is more on Arsenal,” he added.
Romano didn’t elaborate on why Chelsea aren’t entirely convinced by Toney but this does line up with reports from over the weekend.
London World reported that Chelsea are backing away from Toney having learned that he prefers to join Arsenal.
That report also indicated that Toney’s age may be an issue for Chelsea given that he turns 28 early in 2024.
Being 28 doesn’t mean your days are numbered, but Chelsea may be seeking more longevity if they are going to splash big money on a new striker.
Arsenal now seems like the best chance of a move for Toney, but whether Brentford are willing to do a January deal remains to be seen.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
