Chelsea will submit a £80m bid for striker who has “always liked Arsenal”

Chelsea have strengthened heavily in this transfer window. However, their performances on the pitch seem to be about the same as they were last season. Even with Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, they aren’t doing anything to push for the title alongside Arsenal and the two Manchester sides.

In true Todd Boehly fashion, he plans to rectify this problem by doing the same thing that caused the problem – panic buying players. However, this one might actually be a good shout.

Chelsea could bid for Ivan Toney, despite him liking Arsenal

According to a report from the Independent, Chelsea could launch a bid worth around £80m to Brentford for their striker Ivan Toney. The Englishman is out of action due to his ban from the FA, but will return halfway through the season.

From Brentford’s perspective, this could be an offer they can’t refuse. As important as Ivan Toney is to them, it was always inevitable they’d have to plan for life without him at some point. And, in fairness, they aren’t doing bad without him as they’re unbeaten in their opening three matches of the season. With Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa taking charge at striker, they are surviving without Toney.

Toney is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. He has a killer work rate and is his own harshest critic. When he returns from his unfair ban, he will be hungry to perform like he was never away.

Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast, the striker has claimed to have “always liked Arsenal”, when asked about a potential big move away from Brentford. Let’s face it, though, this isn’t going to stop Chelsea. They have thrown money at players who would’ve preferred to sign for Arsenal in recent history, so they’ll do it again.

Where do you think Ivan Toney will play when he returns from his ban?