Ivan Toney is ‘torn over his future’ amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, as the striker believes he has a ‘debt to repay Brentford and Thomas Frank for standing by him’ following his ban for gambling offences

• Ivan Toney has been linked with a January move to Arsenal or Chelsea
• The striker is torn over whether to leave Brentford as they have stood by him
• Southgate’s loyalty to his players is an issue and a weakness – It’s All Kicking Off

Brentford striker Ivan Toney is undecided over his future as he weighs up interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, according to reports.

Toney is currently sidelined after being handed an eight-month ban earlier this year for gambling offences.

But he is set to return to action in January, and has been linked with a big-money move at the start of 2024.

The 27-year-old has attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, and the Gunners are believed to be in pole position to secure his signature, but Toney is torn over whether this is the right time to leave Brentford. 

A source close to Toney told The Sun: ‘A lot of people assume Ivan will be on his way after Christmas, but no deal has been done – and nothing has been decided.

Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney has been linked with a big-money move in January

Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with making a January move for the forward

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‘Ivan is torn over his future. Brentford have stood by him and the club have been brilliant. 

‘Part of him wants to help them by hitting the ground running straight away in January and scoring the goals which will ensure they stay in the Premier League.

‘There are a lot of clubs interested in Ivan but his focus, for now, is getting back on the pitch at Brentford and doing the business for his manager Thomas Frank, to whom he feels he has a big debt to repay. The same goes for the fans.

‘He’s determined to get back in the England squad and Ivan fully believes in himself to make the first squad once he’s back playing football.’

Frank said earlier this month that he would like Toney to remain at Brentford ‘forever’, and the Bees are in a strong position as they are under no significant pressure to sell their star striker as he approaches the final 18 months of his deal.

The source added that Frank is planning for life with Toney, who is reportedly valued at £100million, when he is available again in January, but he feels the Danish manager is realistic and knows the forward is likely to move on at some point.

‘They don’t need the money. Toney is their player and they will only consider selling him if the offer is right for the club,’ the source said.

‘As far as the manager is concerned he is planning for his return in January. Ivan will come back in and be a key member of the team.

Toney is torn over whether to leave Brentford yet due to the loyalty Thomas Frank has shown him during his eight-month ban for gambling offences

‘Thomas Frank realises nothing lasts forever and that his star man will probably move on one day.

‘But he hopes to have Ivan until the end of the season at least – then they will reassess.’

Brentford are currently 11th in the table, level on points with Chelsea, and they beat the Blues 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last month.

Arsenal look set for another title push, though, and find themselves just a point behind leaders Manchester City after 12 matches. 

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