Asking price set for Chelsea target

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to see his side return to winning ways when they face Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. 

The Blues have endured a difficult start to the new season, winning just three of their Premier League matches so far.

Last time out, Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by West London rivals Brentford at Stamford Bridge, and Pochettino will be expecting to see huge improvement when Rovers arrive in the capital on Wednesday evening.

Arguably Chelsea’s biggest problem so far this season has been scoring goals, with Pochettino’s side having netted just 13 goals in the league after ten games.

With that in mind, those in charge of the club could be looking to bolster the Argentine’s attacking options, however the asking price for one of their top targets has been increased.

According to The Evening Standard, Brentford are prepared to allow Ivan Toney to leave the club in January but will demand as much as £80 million for the player.

The 27-year-old is regarded by many as one of the Premier League’s best strikers, but he hasn’t played since May due to an ongoing suspension.

Toney was banned for more than nine months for breaching FA Betting rules, meaning that he won’t feature for the Bees until January at the earliest.

The striker has scored an impressive 68 goals in 124 appearances for his current club across all competitions, including 32 goals in 68 Premier League games.

Despite playing a crucial role for Thomas Frank’s side ever since joining the club in 2020, the report claims that Brentford could cash in on Toney when the transfer window reopens.

Toney’s current contract is set to run until the summer of 2025, and Brentford could therefore opt to sell the striker whilst demand for him is high, with Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal also said to be interested.