Arsenal and Chelsea suffer Ivan Toney blow amid Brentford 'confidence' claim but key contract demand 'made'

Arsenal and Chelsea have been handed a blow in their pursuit of an in-demand centre forward, according to reports.

The Gunners are targeting Premier League glory this season and have been advised by the likes of Sol Campbell, Ian Wright and Roy Keane to make a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, once he returns from his FA ban in January.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, despite their improvements in front of goal in recent weeks, are thought to also be in the market for the player’s services as they target a return to the Champions League.

The two English heavyweights are expected to make a move for Toney in January after his impressive 20 goal season for Brentford last term. However, the Bees are determined to keep hold of their talisman and are confident that the player will agree a new long term deal with the club, according to TalkSport.

Toney’s existing contract with Brentford takes him until the summer of 2025 and it is likely that an extension to his deal will include a huge hike on his existing wages at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Despite these claims, 90min reports that Toney is still open to the idea of leaving Brentford for a European club, even if it doesn’t necessarily happen in January. The outlet explains that Toney is hoping to add a release clause to his contract which will allow a European club to automatically buy him if they meet the price tag.

Brentford are believed to want a figure of around £80m for Toney’s departure but the striker at 27 years of age is reportedly hoping for a lower figure.

Toney remains suspended from competitive action as a result of his gambling breaches and is not permitted to return until January 17. Should he remain with the Brentford first team, he would be free to face Chelsea and Arsenal in back-to-back action in early March.