Chelsea could hijack Ivan Toney's lucrative Saudi Arabia transfer as deadline day approaches

08/27/2024 08:45 AM

Brentford have not received any formal transfer offer from Chelsea for Ivan Toney, talkSPORT understands.

The Blues are believed to be tracking Toney’s situation ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline as one of a number of potential striker options.

Toney has verbally agreed a lucrative £16million-a-year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli, but no club has yet made an offer matching Brentford’s £50m asking price.

Chelsea cannot match the salary on the table from the Middle East but can offer Premier League football.

On Tuesday, Brentford Thomas Frank said in his press conference: “Today we have nothing to say about Ivan Toney.”

The Bees talisman has been left out of his side’s games so far this season amid transfer interest.

Chelsea had been interested in signing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, but the striker wants £500,000-per-week in wages.

A move to Al Ahli would see Toney earn £327,000-per-week – so should he join Chelsea, he’d be cheaper than Osimhen, but still earning considerably more than he is at the Gtech Community Stadium.

There is, however, a gap in valuation between the two clubs, with Al-Ahli having a £35million bid, plus add-ons turned down. They are now willing to pay £40m.

However, the Bees are holding out for a £50m bid.

That’s despite the England international having one-year left on his contract.

Frank has previously confirmed he expects the 28-year-old to leave in this window.

"I'm always happy when the window shuts," Frank said after his side’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday. "Then I don't have to talk about ifs and buts and when and maybes, about a lot of players and of course Ivan. It's all about Ivan!"

Asked whether a deal for Toney to leave Brentford is close, Frank said: "Very good question. I actually haven't asked about that in the last two or three days, so I don't know actually.

"He trained well all week with a good attitude."

Fans have speculated about Toney’s future with the England national team should he move to Saudi Arabia.

Jordan Henderson’s move to Al Ettifaq and subsequent dropping from the Three Lions team despite being a veteran was a prime example of that.

A move to Stamford Bridge would keep those dreams alive for Toney, who had minimal minutes at Euro 2024 but had a huge impact when involved, including the penalty shootout against Switzerland.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan labelled Toney’s links to Saudi Arabia as ‘sad’ on Tuesday, suggesting the Bees striker shouldn’t go to play in an ‘uncompetitive league’.