Chelsea set to perform Ivan Toney transfer U-turn after eight-month ban

Chelsea are set to end their interest in Ivan Toney after the Brentford star received an eight-month ban after pleading guilty to a number of betting offences. The Blues were said to be interested in pursuing a move for the England international as they seek a new No 9 but they will seemingly now focus on other options instead.

Toney learned his fate for breaching the Football Association’s betting regulations on 232 separate occasions. He will now be unavailable until next January and will not even be able to take part in any team training until September.

Toney had been linked with a move away from Brentford over the summer but his ban is likely to put paid to any transfer. The 27-year-old was reportedly a target for clubs across the Premier League with a shortage of top quality No 9s on the market with Chelsea one of the clubs said to be most interested.

However, that opportunity is no longer on the table. The Evening Standard reported that the Blues will no longer proceed with their interest after his ban was confirmed as they pursue other targets instead.

A number of other strikers have been linked who they are now likely to bring under increased consideration. Lautaro Martinez and Victor Osimhen are said to be on their shortlist while Romelu Lukaku could end up getting another opportunity when he returns from his loan spell with Inter Milan.

Toney has been one of the best strikers in English football this season with his goals helping Brentford to a comfortable top-half finish. He has scored 21 times in 35 appearances for the club in all competitions this season and only sits behind Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in the Premier League scoring charts.

The 27-year-old voiced his disappointment after the FA decision was announced as he looks ahead to months of sitting on the sidelines.

In a statement released via his Instagram story, Toney said: “Today I have received notification of my 8-month ban from football following a hearing before an FA Regulatory Commission that took place yesterday. I am naturally disappointed that I will be unable to play for the next 8 months.

“The written reasons for the Commission’s decision have not yet been published, so I make no further comment at this point other than to thank my family and friends, Brentford FC and our fans for their continued support, through what has been a very difficult time. I now focus on returning to play the game I love next season.”