Report: Chelsea tried a pre-deal to sign controversial Premier League striker in January

Chelsea are keen on signing Brentford star Ivan Toney in January

Chelsea are seriously interested in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney and even tried to make a pre-deal signing, which fell short of being accepted. This only serves to highlight the club’s search for a prolific goal scorer for a second season in a row.

As per Simon Phillips, (h/t Football.London) Brentford are holding out for £70 million, and Chelsea considered establishing a pre-deal with the Bees. But no agreement was reached between the clubs and it remains to be seen if the Blues are willing to fork out the big bucks.

However, Chelsea are still pushing for his signing, but Brentford are calm and is waiting for other clubs. With Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also keen, the Blues will have competition. The last thing we need is a bidding war for yet another player, forcing us to pay over the odds..

Toney has been charged with betting and has been handed an eight-month ban, which will see him return to action in January. The striker is now drawing interest from many Premier League clubs, and Chelsea are unsurprisingly among them.

The 27-year-old had a solid season in his previous campaign, netting 21 goals in 35 games. Brimming with pace and power, the 27-year-old is familiar with the English top flight and will be raring to go. He will be further determined following the ban and this will only suit Chelsea should he be brought on board.

Toney definitely exhibits the traits of a seasoned striker and is well-versed in how to handle the pressure of the Premier League. Chelsea has two young forwards, and putting them in this competitive league won’t produce results right away. We had a conspicuous goal-scoring problem last season, so it was instinctual to choose a more experienced striker than a young one.

More Chelsea News

• Ben Jacobs reveals Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to leave Chelsea after making the loan move to Real Madrid
• Gary Cahill reveals Chelsea need core player to turn their fortunes around
• Agent of Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku blames Saudi Pro League for hampering striker’s summer exit

Toney’s backup option could be Nicolas Jackson, but that manager will decide. Jackson can play on the wings as well, so we can anticipate him operating from the flanks. In the interim, Armando Broja might serve as his backup. Arsenal currently have Eddie Niketah and Gabriel Jesus, whereas Tottenham currently have Brennan Jhonson and Richarlison. It makes more sense for us to sign him than for other clubs, but it’s obvious his signing won’t be easy.