Brentford FC is resolute in their stance on Ivan Toney’s market value, placing it at an impressive £100 million. Amidst mounting interest from prominent clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal, the West London side intends to keep hold of their star striker, at least until the end of the current season.

The talented England international has garnered the attention of several top European clubs, with Chelsea and Arsenal prominently in the mix. However, recent developments have raised questions about Toney’s future. He is set to complete an eight-month ban for betting offenses on January 16, conveniently coinciding with the opening of the winter transfer window. This timing has intensified speculations about a potential move to a bigger club. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet.

Sky Sports News reports suggest that it would require a monumental offer during the final 16 days of the transfer window for Brentford to consider a sale. Reports of offers in the range of £50 million to £60 million have been met with skepticism by the club’s board.

Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, underlined his belief in Toney’s worth during the summer, stating that he considered Toney to be a £100 million plus player. Frank’s argument gains substantial weight, especially if Chelsea comes knocking. He noted, “What would you pay for a striker that guarantees you 20-plus goals? And this is 20 goals for a mid-table club. What can he do in a bigger club?”

Toney’s value is hard to dispute, particularly given his track record as a proven Premier League goalscorer. In the previous season, he secured the third spot on the goalscoring charts with 20 goals. Chelsea’s willingness to pay more than £100 million each for two midfielders, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, further emphasizes the substantial sums involved in the modern transfer market.

Comparing Toney’s potential transfer to Harry Kane’s, who scored ten more goals but left Tottenham for Bayern Munich for over £100 million with only a year left on his contract, it becomes apparent that Toney’s value is justified. Moreover, Toney, at 27 years old, is three years younger than Kane and still has 18 months left on his contract.

Toney is also highly anticipated to receive an England call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, further enhancing his market value. With a limited pool of English strikers available for sale, Toney’s importance cannot be overstated. Ollie Watkins’ new four-year contract has effectively removed him from the market.

Furthermore, Brentford heavily relies on Toney, especially in light of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in January, which will see strikers Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbuemo depart temporarily. This would leave Toney and Neal Maupay as the only recognized strikers, with Kevin Schade sidelined due to a long-term injury.

Brentford has been steadfast in their support for Toney and his family since he admitted to 232 FA betting charges. The club has gone the extra mile to facilitate his return, organizing behind-closed-doors friendlies to maintain his sharpness and covering his contract in full. Toney may feel inclined to reciprocate this faith by staying with the club until next summer.

However, the question remains whether Arsenal can muster the required funds to acquire a striker in January, given their current financial constraints. It’s worth noting that they already have Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

Chelsea, on the other hand, is keen on Toney but is exploring several options for a new striker. They have encountered challenges with their current goal-scoring this season, with Nicholas Jackson adapting to a new role as a center-forward and Armando Broja recovering from a long-term injury.

Brentford’s adaptability in Toney’s absence has been commendable, with manager Thomas Frank overseeing a remarkable win at Stamford Bridge, elevating them above Chelsea in the Premier League standings.

Toney’s absence has prompted other players like Bryan Mbuemo to step up, contributing significantly in his absence. Brentford is eagerly anticipating the return of key players like Toney, who could play a pivotal role in their quest for a top-half finish in the Premier League this season. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.