Fabrizio Romano makes ‘conditions’ claim about Arsenal and Chelsea £80m transfer plan

Arsenal and Chelsea are expected to battle it out for the signature of an £80m rated player, according to reports. The two sides are both determined to improve their frontline in the January transfer window as they aim to get their hands on silverware after a trophyless season last term.

One of the names on the radar of both London clubs is Brentford attacker Ivan Toney, who is currently serving an eight-month ban for gambling offences. The England striker has been one of the standout players in Brentford’s team in recent seasons and he scored an impressive 20 Premier League goals last term, which is significantly higher than the figures recorded by both Arsenal man Gabriel Jesus and Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling last season.

The 27-year-old recently returned to Brentford training on Monday but he has been linked with a move away from the club in January. Fabrizio Romano reports that both Arsenal and Chelsea have made enquiries over the availability of the player and he also stated that a move to the Premier League is the priority for the player, according to his YouTube channel.

He said: “Chelsea are well informed of the situation of the player but also Arsenal are well informed of the conditions of a potential deal.”

Brentford manager Thomas Frank spoke of the importance of Ivan Toney during an appearance on Sky Sports Monday Night Football but admitted the club would be open to selling the player if the price was right.

He said: “I understand why there are lots of rumours out there about him. For me he’s one of the best strikers, as a striker No.9, I don’t see many out there who is better in the world than him, of course you have Kane, Lewandowski, Haaland and these types, but not many. He scored 20 goals in the Premier League last year, in, of course, a very good Brentford side but of course we are not creating as many chances as the top six or seven teams.”

Frank added that Toney could score over 25 goals in a top team and described him as a ‘top finisher’ with a ‘top mentality’.