Toney to Chelsea stance revealed as Frank responds to Arsenal transfer decision

Ivan Toney is expected to seal a transfer away from Brentford in January amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. The 27-year-old, who returned to team training earlier this month, has just over 18 months left on his current contract with the Bees as time ticks down on his eight-month ban issued last May for betting offences which is due to end in the middle of January.

As a result, several Premier League clubs, not limited to Arsenal and Chelsea, are looking at making a move for Toney during the winter window. The Blues failed to sign a top-level natural striker in the summer despite the acquisition of both Christopher Nkunku, who's favoured position is playing off the striker, and Nicolas Jackson, who has struggled thus far to make an impact in front of goal.

A move for Toney is seen as likely with his stance on a switch to Chelsea being revealed alongside his preference to stay in London. "Toney is open to the Chelsea switch and I am told he ideally wants to stay in London," journalist Ben Jacobs wrote on CaughtOffside.

"That’s also good news for Arsenal and Spurs. The Arsenal links are genuine. Toney is exactly the kind of profile Arteta craves. Even at 27 (and 28 by March next year), the Arsenal boss feels he’d be a strong fit." However, while his departure is not yet a foregone conclusion, Brentford boss Thomas Frank appears to have hinted that it is possible Toney departs when discussing the club's upcoming transfer plans.

"In January?" Frank replied, via Metro, to a question asking him about his expectations for the next transfer window. "I don’t know. The only thing I’m focusing on is the game tomorrow [against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup]. As you know we are preparing for transfer windows ahead. Of course, we are not only looking at striker options or full-back, we are prepared for any position if something should happen."

The Carabao Cup third round clash between Arsenal and Brentford is set for Wednesday evening with David Raya set for a reunion with his parent club. While Raya can feature despite being on loan from the Bees, Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey will all miss the game through injury.