SPORTS
CHELSEA TO WEIGH UP IVAN TONEY ALTERNATIVES FOR JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW MOVE – PAPER ROUND
Chelsea could look at strikers such as Benjamin Sesko as they consider alternatives to Brentford forward Ivan Toney
Chelsea may have to look beyond Brentford striker Ivan Toney as they hope to add a new striker to their squad this winter.
They will look abroad for another forward as Brentford are likely to keep him for the rest of the season, as well as worries over his valuation.
“Chelsea are facing further frustration in their quest to sign a marquee striker for Mauricio Pochettino in January,” the Mirror reports.
“Although extensive plans for the winter market are continuing to take shape behind the scenes, the brutal reality of the situation is the Blues may now have to wait until the summer of 2024 to land the best long-term option for the Argentine’s project.
“Toney will be free to return to action in mid-January following his respective FA ban but with Brentford team-mates Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa off to the Africa Cup of Nations, he has never been more important. A mid-season sale would defy all logic for Thomas Frank, whose attacking options will be significantly depleted for up to four Premier League matches.
“Sources suggest Brentford now value Toney at £100m, although it’s understood offers in the region of £80m would likely be considered.
“Chelsea could therefore be forced to consider alternative names such as Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface – also off to AFCON – and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who have all built commendable reputations with their goalscoring exploits in Europe.”
