Brentford manager Thomas Frank has admitted that star striker Ivan Toney will likely be sold this summer.
The Dane is still revelling in the return of Toney, who was sidelined for eight months following a ban for betting breaches, but knows he may have to say goodbye this summer.
“It is relatively obvious that Ivan Toney will probably be sold this summer,” Frank said (via Tipsbladet.dk).
“It can be expensive to sell your best player, but conversely I also know that this summer he only has one year left on his contract with us.”
This is Brentford’s last chance to cash in on the Englishman, and they will likely demand between £80-100 million for his services.
Frank added: “We also know what he is worth. I don’t think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now.
“He is a really skilled striker who is in his prime football age. Personally, as a coach, I would prefer to keep Toney, but one day, it could be fun to see him on a top team.”
Two clubs interested in signing Toney this summer are Arsenal and Chelsea. They need a new centre-forward and could turn to the 27-year-old.
Arsenal have Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah on their books, but both players have come under scrutiny for their profligacy in front of goal. Jesus’ injury struggles this season have also not gone unnoticed.
Manager Mikel Arteta could use a striker capable of scoring 20 league goals to spur them to their first league title in two decades.
Chelsea are also struggling in front of goal, with summer signing Nicolas Jackson lacking the killer instinct.
A more experienced centre-forward will help the Senegal international settle in at Chelsea and reduce the scoring burden.
The race for Toney’s signature promises to be an intriguing subplot this summer, with both London giants poised to splash the cash.
