Chelsea ‘join a three-way transfer battle for Ivan Toney’ ahead of the January window… and ‘will have to fend off interest from TWO London rivals’ to lure the £100m-rated striker

• Chelsea are adamant one of their London rivals are ready to approach Ivan Toney
• The Blues are preparing to fight for the Brentford striker’s signature in January 
• Inside Postecoglou’s Tottenham: IAKO looks at culture and philosophy changes 

Chelsea have joined a three-way transfer scrap for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to reports.

Toney, who is still serving the eight-month ban he received for breaching the Premier League’s betting rules, returns for the Bees in January and will attract a wealth of attention from top clubs across Europe.

Mail Sport have previously reported that Arsenal are keen on signing the £100million-rated Brentford hitman, but it appears fellow London rivals Tottenham are also keen on launching a move.

Toney had riveted the gaze of England manager Gareth Southgate and earned his international bow after impressing with 21 goals for Brentford last season.

The 27-year-old striker is viewed as a natural goal-scorer with strength and pace and could hugely benefit the London clubs in attack.

Chelsea are preparing to go head-to-head against two London clubs for Ivan Toney in January

The Brentford forward was banned from football for eight months after breaking betting rules

Toney has also attracted interest from Arsenal, who are searching for a talismanic striker in attack having struggled for regular goals from Gabriel Jesus (left) and Eddie Nketiah (right) 

According to The Sun, Stamford Bridge insiders are adamant that Tottenham are lining up a bid for Toney, having sold star talisman Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer.

So far during Ange Postecoglou’s reign in north London, Son Heung-min has operated in the central striker role in front of marquee summer signing James Maddison.

Although Spurs have played down any potential move for Toney, Chelsea are convinced of their interest and are preparing to go all out for the Bees forward when the January window opens.

The Blues strengthened in attack over the summer by luring Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to Stamford Bridge.

While Nkunku has yet to play a minute this season because of injury, Jackson has struggled to take chances consistently in front of goal.

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Mauricio Pochettino could benefit from a ruthless striker and natural goal-scorer at Chelsea

The 27-year-old forward netted 21 goals for Brentford last season before his eight-month ban

Meanwhile, Arsenal have long held an interest in Toney and believe he will help cut the gap to last season’s Treble winners Manchester City. 

Pundits such as Ian Wright and Paul Merson have argued that the Gunners, who currently utilise Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the No 9 role, are lacking a ruthless finisher in attack.

Wright claimed Arsenal will lose the title race to Manchester City unless they sign Toney in January.

‘We spread goals out last season and it took us to a certain place,’ he told The Overlap last month.

‘I think with Toney the links won’t go away as it’s blatantly obvious to see, that focal point that player who scores, that takes you somewhere else.

Chelsea are convinced that Daniel Levy and Tottenham are planning on a move for Toney

Ange Postecoglou has impressed during his first few months in charge of the London club

‘You can’t question the endeavour of Eddie (Nketiah) or (Gabriel) Jesus but you look back at the Tottenham game with the Jesus chance. 

‘For a player of that calibre to be in that position 1-0 up, those chances have to be buried.

‘The margins are so small now you can’t afford to be missing chances like and that and not winning games. The work off the ball is fantastic for both players.

‘The Toney links don’t go away because for me that is the last piece of the jigsaw. He’ll do it if it can be done.’

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