MY ACCOUNT
Chelsea are considering a double swoop for Brentford duo Ivan Toney and David Raya this summer.
The Blues’ rebuilding project has not gone to plan with 17 players and four managers arriving at Stamford Bridge since Todd Boehly took the reins last May.
And according to Football London, club chiefs were keeping a close eye on Toney and Raya last night as Brentford won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to pile the misery on interim boss Frank Lampard.
Striker is a major priority for Chelsea, who have struggled for goals and do not boast a traditional No9 in their ranks.
Rafael Leao has been touted as a major target but recent reports in Italy suggest he wants to stay at AC Milan.
Inter Milan loanee Romelu Lukaku’s future remains up in the air ahead of rumoured talks between the clubs, with Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling among the options being deployed as a focal point.
Toney, 27, has bagged 31 goals in 64 Premier League outings over the last two seasons and would also offer a physical presence up front.
At the other end of the field, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have traded the No1 jersey with both failing to find the consistency 27-year-old Raya has provided the Bees.
Boehly’s transfer strategy has been to target younger players, which would make either of the Bees stars a change in direction amid reports Mauricio Pochettino is set to be the man tasked with reversing the Blues’ slump.
In other news
Liverpool have switched their attention to Nicolo Barella after ruling out a swoop for Jude Bellingham, according to reports in Italy.
Reports in Spain suggest Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are chasing Barcelona star Raphinha as the Catalans look to secure funds to bring Lionel Messi back to the Camp Nou.
Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu will join Atletico Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season, claims Fabrizio Romano.
