Ivan Toney has a decision to make as Tottenham and Chelsea fight hard for his signature
Tottenham Hotspur will need to strengthen their squad in the upcoming January transfer window if they hope to build on last season’s Europa League success. The Lilywhites have made a flying start under Thomas Frank this season and currently sit just two points behind league leaders Arsenal. However, to take that next step and mount a serious top-four challenge, reinforcements are essential.
One of the most pressing issues Frank must address in January is the lack of depth in the No. 9 position. Spurs need a reliable and consistent striker to lead the line as they look to bridge the gap on their rivals. At present, the Danish manager has Richarlison and Dominic Solanke competing for that role, but relying solely on the two forwards might prove risky if Tottenham are to compete on all four fronts this season.
Dominic Solanke has endured a frustrating spell on the side-lines after suffering an ankle injury during pre-season. The England international is yet to make his mark under Thomas Frank following a setback in his recovery to full fitness. Meanwhile, Richarlison has struggled for consistency, showing flashes of form but lacking the sharpness required to deliver week in, week out.
Tottenham have set their sights on Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney
There is no surprise that Tottenham are looking to add more depth on the attacking front after enduring a brilliant start to the new season. The Lilywhites clearly need a new striker that could perform consistently under Thomas Frank and make an instant impact at N17 during the second half of the season.
Recent reports suggest Spurs are keeping tabs on Ivan Toney’s situation at Al Ahli. Thomas Frank is keen on reuniting with the England international as the pair share strong relationship from their time together at Brentford. The Danish tactician has also personally contacted the 29-year-old in an attempt to lure him to N17 in the coming months. However, the striker’s high wages are proving to be a stumbling block for a potential deal to happen.
To make matters more complicated, Indykaila News (via X) claims that Chelsea are now preparing an official offer to Al Ahli for Toney’s signature. The Blues are reportedly looking to sign the 29-year-old on loan for the second half of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent in the summer. They are also willing to cover his full salary until the end of the campaign — a move that could sway Al Ahli into accepting their proposal.
This development places Tottenham on the back foot in their pursuit of Toney. It remains to be seen how the Lilywhites respond, though the recent cash injection from the Lewis family could give them some financial leverage if they are serious about bringing the former Brentford striker to N17.
One thing is clear: Tottenham cannot depend on Richarlison to lead the line for an entire season if Thomas Frank truly intends to build on last year’s European success. Ivan Toney would represent a significant upgrade on the Brazilian, offering Premier League experience, clinical finishing, and the consistency that Spurs currently lack in attack. Should Spurs manage to lure Toney back to England, it could be the final piece of the puzzle that turns them from promising contenders into genuine title challengers.