Chelsea 'leading race for Brentford forward Ivan Toney'

Chelsea are reportedly making every effort to secure a deal for Brentford forward Ivan Toney.

Earlier this year, the England international was handed an eight-month ban by the Football Association for breaching betting regulations.

As a result, Toney is unable to resume competitive football until January, a major blow for Brentford who would have wanted to make the next step in their efforts of moving up the Premier League standings.

Prior to his suspension, Toney had contributed a remarkable 32 goals and nine assists from 66 outings in the top flight since the Bees won promotion in 2021.

However, with less than two years remaining on the striker's contract, it is becoming increasingly more likely that he has played his final game for Brentford.

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While Brentford will not want to sell their most prized asset, there is also an acceptance that they will want to maximise the transfer fee recouped should Toney insist on not penning fresh terms in due course.

According to London World, Chelsea are currently best placed to secure a deal for Toney at the turn of the year.

The report suggests that discussions have already taken place behind the scenes with head coach Mauricio Pochettino keen to add Toney to his squad.

As it stands, Nicolas Jackson is the first-choice attacker at Stamford Bridge, while Armando Broja will compete with the Senegal international if he can prove his fitness after a serious knee injury.

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There was a scenario where Pochettino could have been left happy with his forward options but Christopher Nkunku is sidelined until at least November, also with a knee injury.

Chelsea are also yet to show a clinical streak in the final third, three of the five goals from their opening four Premier League matches coming against Luton Town.

In the past, an asking price of £80m has been mentioned for Toney, although Brentford are aware that they effectively only have two transfer windows to generate their desired fee.

Head coach Thomas Frank opted against signing a like-for-like alternative in the summer, placing faith in Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa while also acquiring the services of former Brentford frontman Neal Maupay as backup.