Chelsea to weigh up Ivan Toney alternatives for January transfer window move – Paper Round

Chelsea may have to look beyond Brentford striker Ivan Toney as they hope to add a new striker to their squad this winter.

They will look abroad for another forward as Brentford are likely to keep him for the rest of the season, as well as worries over his valuation.

“Although extensive plans for the winter market are continuing to take shape behind the scenes, the brutal reality of the situation is the Blues may now have to wait until the summer of 2024 to land the best long-term option for the Argentine’s project.

“Toney will be free to return to action in mid-January following his respective FA ban but with Brentford team-mates Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa off to the Africa Cup of Nations, he has never been more important. A mid-season sale would defy all logic for Thomas Frank, whose attacking options will be significantly depleted for up to four Premier League matches.

“Sources suggest Brentford now value Toney at £100m, although it’s understood offers in the region of £80m would likely be considered.

“Chelsea could therefore be forced to consider alternative names such as Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface – also off to AFCON – and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who have all built commendable reputations with their goalscoring exploits in Europe.”

The Mail reports that Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann – linked with a January transfer to Manchester United – wants to stay with his current club.

The World Cup winner has made a success of his return from Barcelona.

“The Frenchman has enjoyed a resurgence to form in Diego Simeone’s new look-Atletico team.

“Griezmann has eight goals in 12 games so far this season as his side sits fourth in La Liga behind classic rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid and surprise leaders Girona.

“Griezmann said: ‘I’ve to earn myself to be a legend in this club. That’s my mission.

“‘By 2024 I want to bring joy to the fans and some title for Atlético. It would be a dream.’”

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek is aware that he may have to leave Old Trafford in the coming months as he continues to struggle on the sidelines.

Form and injury have cost the Dutchman his place over the last few years, and the Express reports on his outlook.

“United signed Van de Beek from Ajax in 2020 for a fee of £35million and he was expected to be a key player for the years that followed after building a growing reputation on the domestic and international scene. However, it hasn’t gone how either the player or his club would have wanted.

“He has now broken rank by admitting he is desperate to play, even if it means leaving United at the next opportunity in January. Van de Beek said: ‘I am bouncing to play matches again. The manager is making different choices now. We have a big squad and I am not the only one knocking on the door. We’ll see in January what happens.

“‘I need to start playing games very soon – if not at Man United then at another club. I think I have to be ambitious.’”

Said Benrahma is the latest Premier League player to emerge as a target for a move to the Saudi Pro League.

The 28-year-old is no longer integral to David Moyes’ team and that might see West Ham willing to cash in on the playmaker.

“The Algerian wideman could be one of the latest Premier League stars to make the move if the right offer comes in.

“Benrahma’s new agent is well-connected among the leading Saudi outfits and has recently been to London for a face-to-face meeting with Hammers boss David Moyes.

“If the bid comes in, West Ham may accept as Benrahma, 28, is not guaranteed a place in the team these days and his appearances and game time have been reduced.

“Moyes will not want to push Benrahma out, especially with Europe still on the fixture list — but the right cash may sway the decision.”