Chelsea
Premier League • England
Chelsea accelerate huge January signing of striker Pochettino adores; player ticks three key boxes
Talks over bringing a Premier League striker to Chelsea in January are already underway, with a report revealing three major plusses that have convinced Mauricio Pochettino.
Despite spending over a billion pounds since Todd Boehly and his Clearlake partners took charge, Chelsea still lack a reliable scorer of goals.
Nicolas Jackson has been tasked with leading the line thus far this season. The Senegal international has caught the eye with his energy, movement and clever interplay.
However, in a familiar story at Stamford Bridge over recent times, the striker has been found wanting in front of goal in critical moments.
It’s far too early to write the former Villarreal frontman off yet. However, according to London World, Pochettino has his heart set on signing a new centre-forward.
Varying outlets over recent days have tipped the Blues to move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney in January.
Toney is currently serving a suspension for betting breaches that will conclude on January 17. As such, a winter window swoop would make sense.
Now, according to London World, talks over bringing Toney to Chelsea have begun.
Firstly, the report insists Chelsea ‘will return’ to the market for a new striker in January. It’s then claimed the Blues are ‘leading the race’ for Toney, with ‘moves being made behind the scenes’ regarding the transfer.
London World label Toney as Pochettino’s ‘ideal choice’ at No 9. Explaining why, it’s stated signing Toney would come with three huge plusses.
Toney can make instant impact at Chelsea
Firstly, Toney is described as being the ‘right age’ at 27 years old. Many of Chelsea’s signings in the Boehly era have been with one eye on the future, but Toney would be a player for the here and now.
Secondly, Toney is English and would thus not count on the club’s overseas quota.
Thirdly, the frontman is proven in the Premier League and would be more than capable of making an instant impact. His 20 Premier League goals last season were bettered only by Erling Haaland (35) and Harry Kane (27).
Brentford are expected to do all they can to hold on to their talismanic frontman. However, it’s acknowledged Toney recently changed agents when signing with Jonathan Barnett’s CAA Stellar agency. Per the report, that move was with a view to securing an exit from Brentford.
Regarding cost, Football Insider recently stated the Bees will demand at least £70m for the England international.
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