Ivan Toney Chelsea transfer stance revealed as Thomas Frank responds to huge Arsenal decision

Ivan Toney is expected to seal a transfer away from Brentford in January amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. The 27-year-old, who returned to team training earlier this month, has just over 18 months left on his current contract with the Bees as time ticks down on his eight-month ban issued last May for betting offences which is due to end in the middle of January.

As a result, several Premier League clubs, not limited to Arsenal and Chelsea, are looking at making a move for Toney during the winter window. The Blues failed to sign a top-level natural striker in the summer despite the acquisition of both Christopher Nkunku, who's favoured position is playing off the striker, and Nicolas Jackson, who has struggled thus far to make an impact in front of goal.

Across the capital, Arsenal are also eyeing a swoop of Toney with his profile quite the opposite to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. Minor problems in front of goal have arisen this season which has seen the Gunners step up their interest in Toney ahead of the January window, as per the Mirror.

A move for Toney is seen as likely with his stance on a switch to Chelsea being revealed alongside his preference to stay in London. «Toney is open to the Chelsea switch and I am told he ideally wants to stay in London,» journalist Ben Jacobs wrote on CaughtOffside.

«That’s also good news for Arsenal and Spurs. The Arsenal links are genuine. Toney is exactly the kind of profile Arteta craves. Even at 27 (and 28 by March next year), the Arsenal boss feels he’d be a strong fit.» However, while his departure is not yet a foregone conclusion, Brentford boss Thomas Frank appears to have hinted that it is possible Toney departs when discussing the club's upcoming transfer plans.

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