‘So be it’: Ivan Toney issues another transfer message to Chelsea

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Ivan Toney has again reiterated his desire to leave Brentford and join a top side where he would be able to compete for trophies on a regular basis.

The 27-year-old has been out of football action with a betting ban that lasted eight months.

As Brentford take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday, January 20, Toney is however expected to be involved after it was confirmed that he would return as captain of the Bees.

The development comes amid reports that the England striker is of great interest to Premier League rivals, Chelsea and Arsenal.

In fact, journalist, Simon Phillips recently wrote on his Substack that the Blues will be keeping an eye on how the striker fares in his first few games after returning, before they decide on whether or not to table a formal offer.

Toney himself most-certainly looks eager to make that move if it happens, after recently admitting in an interview that he is open to joining another side this January.

“Everyone knows that I would love to play for a top team and be at the top of the leagues, playing with the best,” he said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“I’m a Brentford player at the moment and until that time comes, this window or at the end of the season, then so be it”.

Toney recently bagged a hat-trick during a game with the Brentford youth team more than a week ago, showing he’s still as lethal as ever, but the stakes are much higher now, and all eyes will be on him this weekend to see how he performs against Forest after missing top-flight football for so long.