Arsenal handed huge Ivan Toney transfer boost as Chelsea update emerges

Arsenal may have been handed a clear path to signing Brentford star Ivan Toney in the January transfer window. Chelsea and Tottenham were tipped to rival the Gunners for Toney's signature in the new year, but a new update could have given Mikel Arteta a huge incentive to complete a deal for the 27-year-old.

Toney recently changed agents as he plots a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium, despite Brentford boss Thomas Frank revealing the England international is 'happy' to stay with the club. According to Sky Sports News, the Bees value Toney at an eye-watering £100million, a price that would be just shy of the price Arsenal paid for Declan Rice (£105million) and Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez (£106.7million).

The England international is moving into the final 18 months of his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium having enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 campaign, netting 20 Premier League goals for the Bees. Toney remains banned until January 16 after being found guilty of 232 breaches of the Football Association’s gambling rules, but he has been playing in friendlies for Brentford’s B team to maintain his fitness.

According to David Ornstein, Chelsea do not currently have Toney on their shortlist of January transfer targets. Speaking to NBC, Ornstein pointed out that Toney’s age means he does not fall under the profile of potential signings that the Blues usually target.

Chelsea opted not to try and sign James Maddison in the summer as he falls outside of their '25 and under' transfer strategy - allowing Tottenham to take advantage and complete a £40million deal for the 26-year-old playmaker. It now appears that Arsenal could have the upper hand on their London rivals when it comes to a deal for Toney with the Blues looking at alternative targets in Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko - as Ornstein referenced in his interview with NBC.

The Athletic journalist added: "Currently it's looking less likely that he will move in January. Maybe more likely in the summer.

"I've been advised not to rule out free agency the summer after next," Ornstein added. Toney turns 28 in March 2024 and unless Brentford's asking price is met by an interested party, it looks like he will stay with Thomas Frank's side for the remainder of the season.