Transfer Talk: Toney a January target for Arsenal and Chelsea

Ivan Toney has been out of action this season but remains one of the Premier League's most sought-after strikers.

The Brentford forward was handed an eight-month ban in May after admitting 232 breaches of the Football Association's betting rules.

But his form last term was so impressive that a move in January — when his suspension comes to an end — could well be on the cards.

As Brentford prepare to face Nottingham Forest, we take a look at where Toney might find himself playing in 2024.

Top quality

There is no doubt that Toney was one of the Premier League's most potent strikers last season.

The 27-year-old scored 20 league goals, with only Erling Haaland (36) and Harry Kane (30) netting more.

Brentford's No17 is the definition of a penalty-box poacher, relying on his movement and positional awareness to score regularly from close range.

He also found the net six times from the penalty spot, with his unique technique making him one of the division's most dependable takers.

Being Frank

Inevitably, Toney's consistency has led to speculation around a potential move to one of the Premier League's biggest clubs.

But Bees boss Thomas Frank has insisted the club will not let their prized asset go without a fight.

He said: "For me as a coach, I don't want to sell him [Toney].

"Ivan is a world-class player, so why should we sell a world-class player? I want him to play for Brentford for the rest of his contract but that's not up to me to decide."

Speculation

Arsenal have been the club most frequently linked with Toney in recent weeks.

And last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham was perhaps the perfect example of where a clinical frontman in his mould would have made the difference.

Gabriel Jesus missed a glorious chance when the Gunners were 1-0 up and Eddie Nketiah struggled to impact the game.

Chelsea have also been the subject of rumours surrounding Toney, with Mauricio Pochettino's side desperately in need of a goalscorer.

They have scored just five times in six matches, following on from last season's dismal total of just 38 goals in 38 games.

Spearhead

Toney acts as an effective focal point in attack, ranking sixth in the Premier League last season for aerial duels won (109) — more than any other striker.

But the former Peterborough star is also capable of providing for his team-mates, with only Bryan Mbeumo (14) creating more big chances than Toney (12) within Brentford's squad.

No Bees player attempted more through-balls than the England international (12), who finished the campaign with four assists.

Sting in the tale

The logical next step for Toney is to join a club competing at the top of the Premier League but which one remains a topic for debate.

He said: "Playing for a big club and fighting for trophies, I really want to do that.

"If the chance was to come along, I would be silly not to look more into it.

"The manager knows that I want to play at the highest level possible."