Chelsea striker search could take stunning twist as £33m lethal forward emerges as 'target'

In a shock turn of events, former Brentford striker Ivan Toney could see a return back to the Premier League just six months after his £40m move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, with reports linking him with a move to Chelsea.

The Blues were linked to Toney during the summer transfer window, but failed to land both the ex-Newcastle forward and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen on deadline day. They are said to still be chasing another striker, despite their current first Nicolas Jackson getting the 2024/25 campaign off to a flyer, scoring eight goals in the Premier League including one in Chelsea’s 3-0 win against Villa last weekend.

Toney has been impressive since moving to Saudi Arabia, scoring eight goals in 16 appearances since moving in the summer after a successful Euro 2024 campaign with England where he made some impressive cameo appearances.

According to a report by Team Talk, Toney is considering a move back to the Premier League just six months after his transfer, with Chelsea named as a side who could be interested in bringing him back to England.

He was linked to Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, but couldn’t find a move away to any of the three meaning that he was forced to seek a transfer elsewhere which culminated in his move to Al-Ahli.

Many believed that the striker blew his chances of more games for the England national team when he moved to Saudi Arabia, which has proven to be true as the former Brentford man hasn’t featured in an England squad since his transfer in August. However, a move back to the Premier League could spark some interest from new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, who will begin work with the men’s national side in the new year.

Chelsea rivals also keen to bring Toney back to the Premier League

The Blues aren’t the only big side in the Premier League to be reportedly considering a move for Ivan Toney - Tottenham Hotspur were also included in the report as a possible destination for the 28-year-old in the January transfer window.

Spurs ended up opting for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, signing him for £55m in the summer. Solanke has since made ten Premier League appearances, scoring four goals for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Chelsea looking to add a striker in January

The Blues have been linked with several attackers in recent months as they look to sign a striker to bolster their attacking threat alongside Jackson.

Enzo Maresca’s side have been linked to Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, who Arsenal are also said to be keen on signing. Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has also emerged as a target for Chelsea, who could provide a cheaper option for Maresca to develop at Stamford Bridge.

Napoli striker Osimhen has been perennially linked over a move to Chelsea too, with the Nigerian currently on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray. He could see a possible January move culminate should the likes of Chelsea come in with a strong offer.