‘I can’t wait to score goals in the Premier League’ were the words uttered by reported Arsenal, West Ham and Leeds target, Ivan Toney, after the greatest day of his footballing career on Saturday.
The 25-year-old, who has taken the Championship by storm this season, helped Brentford earn promotion to the promised land after they beat Swansea 2-0 in the play-off final at Wembley – he opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
Many felt, whether the Bees were going to earn promotion or not, Toney would end up gracing England’s top-flight next season in some capacity.
Back in March, TeamTalk reported that several Premier League clubs, including the likes of Arsenal, Leeds and West Ham were mentioned as teams keen on adding the 33-goal hitman to their ranks this summer.
Well, following the news of Brentford’s promotion, the task of Leeds, Arsenal and West Ham snapping up his talents just got harder.
Whatever transfer fee was muted for Toney before Saturday has probably added £20 million+ on top because the ball is now in Brentford’s court.
Some supporters may shrug their shoulders at the thought of signing a Championship striker, but the likes of Ollie Watkins and Patrick Bamford have proven this season that they are worth taking a punt on.
Aston Villa broke their club-record transfer fee for Watkins services from Griffin Park – and now he’s an England international.
Whilst Bamford was behind only Harry Kane in terms of being the highest-scoring Englishman in the league this season.
Either way, Arsenal more so, their squad and the whole club needs refreshing, and whilst a player like Toney isn’t the only answer, it is the start of something promising.
Plus, with West Ham in Europe, and their forward line thin as it is, a player like Toney would take to the London Stadium like a storm, but they may need to put a few more millions on the table if they are to secure his services now.
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