For today’s Daily Briefing column, Fabrizio Romano exclusively discussed Ivan Toney’s interview on Sky Sports with CaughtOffside.
Romano has mentioned on a few occasions that Toney is being pursued by teams like Chelsea and Arsenal, but he has also stated emphatically that Brentford would not allow their star striker to leave unless they are offered outrageous compensation.
The England international has excelled in the Premier League, so a significant move seems appropriate for him. He has also made it known that he wants to compete at the greatest level and win championships.
Aside from Saudi news, we recently published an interview with Ivan Toney, which has unavoidably garnered a lot of attention, said Romano. The Brentford striker told Sky Sports, “It’s obvious I’d like to play for a top club, everybody wants to play for the top clubs, fighting for titles and these kinds of things,” in response to recent ties with Chelsea and Arsenal. So who knows, maybe a club will step in and pay the appropriate amount in January. However, I put all of my attention into my work on the pitch and let the background work take care of itself.
“I think Toney has just been honest; I don’t think this is an attempt to force a way out of Brentford or to invite offers from other clubs.”
It should go without saying that elite players want to play for elite teams, but Brentford has always demanded outrageous compensation for their star striker—or nothing at all. Toney has made statements in public, but the story hasn’t changed as of yet.
Given their respective problems in front of goal this season, Arsenal and Chelsea could use a striker like Toney. However, completing this deal in the midst of the season may still be a bit optimistic for them.
