Ivan Toney has been looking for a way out of Brentford for the last two seasons and the latest reports suggest that he may have found that way out.
The Brentford striker has made no secret of his desire to start competing for titles which was an indication of his readiness to leave the Bees, as the London club are in no position to do so at the moment, unfortunately.
Several clubs had shown interest and even inquired about the player’s availability including West Ham United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. However, his age and price tag caused all discussions to fall through. United and Tottenham Hotspur went in different directions: Spurs signing Dominic Solanke and United signing Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal are still without a striker but they are now focused on younger alternatives like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyökeres. This has left Toney in transfer limbo and despite his importance to the Bees, he is still expected to leave the club by the end of the summer transfer window, which is in a few days
The club, in conjunction with a new player in the Toney transfer saga, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, have also handed him a transfer ultimatum. Saudi Pro League vice-chairman Saad Al-Lazeez and the league’s sporting director Michael Emenalo have already agreed personal terms with Toney and are talking with the club over his transfer fee. Despite these talks, Toney is still uncertain about the move.
Brentford are believed to be looking for around £50 million after previously turning down a £35 million proposal from Al-Ahli. Other reports indicate that they could accept £40 million as they are desperate to get his transfer over the line by the end of the European transfer window on August 30.
Sources claim that Toney’s possible stay at Brentford while being looked at as a good thing for their goals this season, may not be the best move for the squad morale after the player made it clear that he intends to leave the club this summer. Both the former Peterborough United man and the Bees are now facing a nervy wait over his transfer with deadline day fast approaching.
Chelsea are also believed to be lurking around the corner with some even claiming that the Blues have tried to hijack the Saudi Pro League’s side move for Toney in the last minutes. The Blues want a proven goalscorer to round up their window and Toney presents an immediate solution to that problem.
