Chelsea ‘launch stunning Ivan Toney transfer move’ with England striker running out of time to seal Brentford exit

CHELSEA have made a stunning move to sign Ivan Toney, according to reports.

The England international appeared set for a move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.

PA

Chelsea have made a late move to sign Ivan Toney[/caption]

Alamy

Toney would be the 13th arrival at Chelsea this summer[/caption]

However, according to Sky Sports, Chelsea have now made a late move to sign the Brentford forward.

The 28-year-old has not been included in Thomas Frank‘s squads for either of their first two league games of the season amid the transfer speculation.

It is suggested there is a good chance the deal will be successful, with Toney‘s transfer fee expected to be “reasonable”.

Chelsea reportedly want Toney because they are after a proven No9 and due to his impressive goalscoring record at every level.

The report adds that Toney would also fit into the Blues’ wage structure.

Toney has scored 72 goals in 141 games for the Bees, including 36 goals in 85 Premier League games.

Brentford had set a £70m asking price on Toney, who has one year left on his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium, at the start of the summer.

SunSport revealed last week how Chelsea were the only English club left in the race to sign Toney, with others being scared off due to his colossal fee.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

But that figure was recently revised down to around £45m.

Toney is thought to prefer the idea of remaining in England and has openly told those around him he thinks his best years are ahead of him.

Although a move to Saudi Arabia would be financially life-changing a late bid from Chelsea could persuade him against such a switch.

Chelsea have been in the market for an out-and-out striker all summer, with their interest in Victor Osimhen never truly materialising into a move.

Toney would represent the 13th signing of the window for the Blues, following the arrival of goalkeeper Mike Penders earlier today in a £17m deal.

With the transfer window closing on Friday, it is set to be a busy few days for the club in terms of outgoings as well.

World-record transfer fee goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is on the verge of joining Bournemouth on loan after extending his Chelsea contract.

Meanwhile, the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell have been told they do not have a future at the club.

Consequently, Chelsea have been exploring a swap deal with the pair in exchange for Manchester United‘s Jadon Sancho.

Sterling, 29, is said to be open to joining Man Utd but wants to resolve his contract situation at Stamford Bridge first, with a £70m pay-off requiring some negotiation.