Ivan Toney ‘transfer agreed’ as Eddie Howe receives an update on the Newcastle target.
Talks have been surrounding Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer, and Eddie Howe has also been working on bringing a perfect clinical option who could be used instead of Alexander Isak or possibly pair up with Swedish International.
According to reports, Arsenal and Chelsea were close to securing the players signatures, though recent reports have claimed that Saudi Club Al-Iltihad also provided a bid that was turned down during the Euro football season.
Now, it seems Brentford are in need of more significant suitors, and Newcastle have also been involved in the race for the England star. Ivan Toney had been enjoying a blissful campaign under his manager Thomas Frank, but, having returned from his ban for breaching the Premier League betting rules, he hasn’t been at his best, struggling to balance a few goals last season.
Toney’s departure, as confirmed by Brentford head coach Thomas Frank, is not a question of if, but when. The acquisition of Igor Thiago as his replacement for a club-record fee underscores Brentford’s readiness to part ways with the 27-year-old goal machine. With his contract set to expire in 2025, the timing for Brentford to capitalize on Toney’s market value is impeccably aligned.
The huge £70 million price tag on Toney was reported to be pushing Brentford on the occasion of losing him on a free transfer since he hasn’t been included in the Thomas Frank long-term plans this season.
Currently, Ivan Toney’s release clause has been reduced to about £40 million, and it seems Eddie will be looking in that direction, though it’s certain that he could be facing more competition as well.
Chelsea are also working on getting a deal done for the striker, and Arsenal are reported to be holding taps on the player as well, but it remains to be seen if Howe would opt in that direction to have perfect depth this season.
