Chelsea might be using Ivan Toney as a smokescreen to pressure Victor Osimhen into reducing his wage demands ahead of Friday’s deadline. The Blues are in the market for a new striker and will reportedly attempt to prise Toney away from Brentford in the coming days.
Toney had been closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia after being left out of Brentford’s last two matchday squads. It was reported that Al-Ahli were making solid progress in talks with the Bees, but that move now appears to be in doubt.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have entered the race to sign the England marksman after making contact with Brentford. Toney is said to be valued at around £50million despite having less than a year remaining on his current deal.
There is a chance that Chelsea could be using Toney as a smokescreen for Osimhen, who is still believed to be of interest to the Blues. He is widely expected to leave Napoli this summer after informing the club of his desire to take up a new challenge.
Osimhen is demanding a salary of £500,000 per week, according to The Sun, which is putting clubs off trying to sign him. Chelsea have also explored the idea of a loan move but Napoli are unwilling to let him leave on a temporary basis.
The Nigeria international may need to think twice about his wage demands in the knowledge that Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Toney. With the end of the window rapidly approaching, there is not much time left for the Blues to get a deal done.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia have been linked with Osimhen but no move is thought to be forthcoming as things stand. Paris Saint-Germain are said to be keen on his signature but are reportedly unwilling to match his salary expectations.
If he refuses to lower his demands, there is a real possibility that he will be stuck at Napoli until at least January. Given that he is reportedly desperate to leave, it would make sense for him to adjust his stance to push through a move before Friday’s deadline.
Only time will tell if Chelsea will be able to reach a compromise with Osimhen before the window slams shut. If not, they could be forced to settle for Toney with time running out to bring a new striker to Stamford Bridge.
