As the summer transfer window ends on 30th August, Brentford forward Ivan Toney’s situation is considered to be a hot topic as London rivals were in fight to sign the English striker.
North-West London derby rivals Arsenal and Chelsea both the clubs were in talks to sign Ivan Toney. After Eddie Nketiah’s departure Arsenal only have Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus up top. The Gunners have always wanted to sign a striker and Toney could have been a perfect option for his clinical finishing attributes. With the departures of Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal have enough funds to place a bid for the Brentford player.
In the other hand Chelsea who have been very busy in the transfer market wants to sign another forward to increase flexibility in their attack. The Englishman Ivan Toney could have been a great asset for them to come up from the bench and score some goals. Though the clear sights for Toney by both of the clubs, money can play a bigger factor here because Brentford have already set a price tag of whopping £60m for the 28 year old striker.
Brentford’s decision regarding the price-tag
Ivan Toney joined Brentford in 2020 from Peterborough United after a wonderful season, scoring 24 goals in 32 matches. Since joining the Bees, the Englishman has scored 72 goals in 141 matches for them. This is considered a great amount while playing in English conditions. He was a regular starter for Brentford in the league and cup competitions. But he got an eight month ban for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules in 2023.
In July Brentford secured their record signing Igor Thiago from Club Brugge, whom they believe as a successor to Toney. Since then, the Bees have always considered selling Toney as they left him out of their opening matchday squads in Premier League.
Toney’s contract expires in 2025, so rather than allowing him to leave on a free transfer the Bees would prefer to sell him for some handsome funds. But the price tag they have put on him, seems to be the problem as clubs were hesitant to pay £60m for the English striker.
Brentford has only 11 months left until Toney’s contract expires. They don’t want to take the risk of letting Toney go for free. So, it has been clarified as per Sky Sports report that Brentford have lowered the price tag of Toney to £35m as they are desperate to sell him. This incident has caused the London rivals to compete against each other for the signing of Toney.
But the shocking news is, during the negotiations between Brentford and the London clubs, Saudi side Al-Ahli have interfered out of nowhere and agreed to all the terms to sign Toney.
Ahli hijacks Toney in the last day of the window
Amongst all the hectic, Saudi side Al-Ahli have hijacked the Ivan Toney deal. Ahli was constantly pushing for Victor Osimhen from Napoli but the player never given them green light.
After the price tag of Toney dropping down Al-Ahli have contacted the player’s camp and proposed a deal. As per David Ornstein Toney has agreed on personal terms with the Saudi club. He is also set to undergo a medical test for the move abroad. The Saudi side have reached an agreement of £33.6m with Brentford for the signing of Toney.
Ahli is still confused after agreeing terms with Napoli for the transfer of Victor Osimhen because the player never agreed to the personal terms. So, to secure a signing up top they tried to pull of the Toney deal as soon as possible.
Toney will be teaming up with former premier league players- Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Edouard Mendy in Ahli. He would be the only English player, after Jordan Henderson, to play for a Saudi side. In 2023-24 season, Jordan Henderson was the first one who had a short stay at Al-Ettifaq.
The fans and pundits have started criticizing the move. They believe Toney still had potential to play in the top 5 leagues. Now it will be interesting to see what Toney brings in for the Saudi side.
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