Brentford have received no contact from the Premier League’s biggest clubs for Ivan Toney, despite speculation surrounding the forward’s future.
Toney has been linked with an exit in the January transfer window and is a reported transfer target for several of the division’s ‘Big Six’ side, following his form since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old scored 20 league goals last season, only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane netted more in the Premier League in 2022/23.
According to The Athletic, Brentford have not ruled out losing Toney in January, but it would take a massive offer for the Bees to contemplate his sale mid-season. The forward is currently serving an eight-month suspension for breaching the FA’s gambling rules but will be free to resume his career in January.
Arsenal are among the clubs interested, but each of the Gunners, Manchester United and Tottenham are working on restricted budgets in the winter. The north Londoners signed David Raya on loan from Brentford last summer with the option to buy the Spaniard in 2024, in a bid to navigate FFP issues, but a similar arrangement appears unlikely for Toney.
Manchester United’s uncertain ownership situation and the club’s own FFP restrictions mean a January bid for Toney is unlikely, despite the Red Devils’ lack of goals this season. Tottenham also face similar issues and will need to be ‘creative’ in January to conduct further transfer business.
Chelsea are said to be admirers of Toney, but have spent more than £1bn on new players across the last three transfer windows. The west Londoners have focused primarily on emerging talent and there are doubts as to whether the Blues would sanction a big money move for Toney, who turns 28 in March.
Toney has scored 32 goals in 66 Premier League appearances since Brentford were promoted to the Premier League and earned his first England cap in March.
His focus will be on finding his form immediately when he returns from suspension, as he bids to make the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.
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