- Ivan Toney has been linked with a move to Arsenal or Chelsea in January
- The striker is unsure whether to leave Brentford after they have backed him
- Southgate’s loyalty to his players is a problem and a weakness It all starts
Brentford striker Ivan Toney is uncertain about his future as he weighs up interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, according to reports.
Toney is currently sidelined after being handed an eight-month ban for gambling offenses earlier this year.
But he is due to return to action in January and has been linked with a big move in early 2024.
The 27-year-old has attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, and the Gunners are said to be in pole position to secure his signature, but Toney is unsure whether this is the right time to leave Brentford.
A source close to Toney said this The sun: ‘A lot of people assume that Ivan will be on his way after Christmas, but no deal has been made yet – and nothing has been decided yet.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been linked with a big-money move in January
Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with a move for Toney in January
Toney is unsure whether or not to leave Brentford due to the loyalty Thomas Frank showed him during his eight-month ban for gambling offenses
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‘Ivan is torn about his future. Brentford have backed him and the club have been brilliant. Part of him wants to help them by getting straight to work in January and scoring the goals that will keep them in the Premier League.
‘There are many clubs interested in Ivan, but his focus for now is on returning to the pitch at Brentford and doing business for his manager Thomas Frank, to whom he feels he owes a large debt. The same goes for the fans.
‘He is determined to return to the England squad and Ivan fully believes he will find himself in the first team once he returns to football.’
Frank said earlier this month that he would like Toney to stay at Brentford ‘forever’, and the Bees are in a strong position as they are not under significant pressure to sell their star striker as he completes the final 18 months of his contract is approaching.
The source added that Frank is making plans for a life with Toney, who is reportedly valued at £100million, when he is available again in January, but he believes the Danish manager is realistic and knows that the striker will at some point moment will probably continue.
‘They don’t need the money. Toney is their player and they will only consider selling him if the offer is suitable for the club,” the source said.
‘As far as the manager is concerned, he is planning his return in January. Ivan returns and becomes an important member of the team.
“Thomas Frank realizes that nothing lasts forever and that his star man will probably move on one day.
“But he hopes to have Ivan at least until the end of the season, then they will reassess.”
Brentford are currently 11th in the table, level with Chelsea, having beaten the Blues 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last month.
However, Arsenal seems ready for a new title push and is only one point behind leader Manchester City after twelve games.
