Only two Premier League clubs are in the race for Ivan Toney as Brentford forced to ‘slash price’ of star striker
Brentford are set to ‘slash their asking price’ for star player Ivan Toney due to a lack of interest, according to a report.
Last season, Toney made 17 Premier League appearances and scored four goals after returning to action following his ban for breaking FA betting rules.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have made it clear to Brentford that they have no plans to bid for the forward this summer.
The Gunners are not prioritising signing a forward this summer, the Blues think Toney, aged 28, is ‘too old’ and the Red Devils have acquired Joshua Zirksee from Bologna.
Tottenham and West Ham United, however, remain in the race to sign the England international and are his most likely suitors ahead of the new season.
Brentford had hoped to receive bids in excess of £80 million for their prized asset.
But there were no offers during the January transfer window, with the club ‘surprised’ at the lack of interest this summer, according to The Sun.
As a result, the Bees are prepared to ‘slash their asking price’ for Toney to less than £50 million.
The report states that Brentford’s situation is complicated, having already signed his replacement.
They signed Brazilian striker Igor Thiago from Club Brugge in a club-record deal worth £30 million.
Thiago, 23, became their first Brazilian player after agreeing the move in February.
He’s expected to replace Toney, who has just one year left on his existing contract.
So, if he fails to secure a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium this summer, then he would be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.
Toney has plied his trade at Brentford since 2020 when he joined from Peterborough for an initial £5 million.
He’s played 142 games for the club across all competitions, scoring 72 goals.
Brentford star Ivan Toney has been criticised for a remark about Real Madrid that he made in a new interview.
Toney returned to professional football in January after serving a nine-month ban for breaching FA gambling rules.
The striker made a successful comeback, scoring the opening goal in Brentford’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.
He has since scored three more Premier League goals, and earned a recall to the England squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Toney is widely expected to leave Brentford this summer, and raised eyebrows earlier this year when he indicated he would be interested in a move away from the Bees – despite not yet returning from his ban.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank told Danish media that it is ‘relatively obvious’ that Toney will be sold this summer – although values him as one of the top strikers in world football.
