Latest developments
- Chelsea want to bring Ivan Toney back to the Premier League
- Toney joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli in the summer
- Chelsea want more help for in form Nicolas Jackson
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Fichajes reports not 100% reliable
Fichajes are not a very reliable source for transfer news as they do not have the best track record over the course of the last few years. There's also a feeling that making such a significant signing might be overkill.
That's because Chelsea have had a great start to life under Enzo Maresca, as the Blues are currently second in the Premier League partly thanks to Arsenal and Manchester City's respective slumps in form. The Blues have only suffered four losses since the start of the season in all competitions.
Chelsea have been scoring freely through the start of the season with Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer in top form. However, they need somebody who could share the goalscoring burden with Jackson and improve the team going forward, and are targeting a move for Toney as per Fichajes.
Value (1/5): Al-Ahli won't sell the striker for cheap
Al-Ahli paid a reported fee of £40 million to sign Toney in the summer and have offered the striker wages close to £400k per week at the Saudi Pro League side.
The Englishman has signed a contract until 2028 and Al-Ahli are unlikely to part with the highly-rated striker for anything under £70-80 million, which would indeed be a lot for any club to attain, especially in January.
Suitability (5/5): Toney would be a perfect striker
Maresca's Chelsea have brought to the plate a massively offensive game and that style has only helped their attackers shine, and the incorporation of Toney would not be too difficult for the Blues as he would be a proper number nine who would compete with Jackson for the starting role in most games.
Upgrade? (2/5): Jackson's current form too good for Toney
If Toney had been joining the Blues even a few months ago, the upgrade would have been considered massive for Maresca. But after being the laughing stock of the Premier League following his move to Chelsea from Villarreal, Jackson has been on top form more recently. As such, there is no real reason that Toney would be considered a proper upgrade on the Senegalese striker at the moment.
Logic (2.5/5): Considerable risk for Toney
Toney only recently made the move to Al-Ahli this summer, but has not had the kind of success that both he and the club had been hoping for. As such, a move away from the Saudi Pro League club could be on his mind this winter. However, a return to the Premier League may not be the best course of action for the Englishman.
Whisper+ final verdict – 13/25
Chelsea's season so far has been going swimmingly well after their struggles under Mauricio Pochettino last season. That means there is no solid reason for the Blues to try and change the team dynamics midway through the season, especially with Jackson in top form.
