de Sebastian Frej’s photo / MB Media / .
‘I can’t wait to score goals in the Premier League,’ were the words spoken by Arsenal, West Ham and Leeds goalkeeper Ivan Toney after the best day of his football career on Saturday.
The 25-year-old, who has won the championship this season, helped Brentford rise to the promised land after beating Swansea 2-0 in the play-off final at Wembley; opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
All England One Cap wonders since Euro 2004: Where are they now?
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All England One Cap wonders since Euro 2004: Where are they now?
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Many felt that whether the Bees got a promotion or not, Toney would end up gracing England’s top flight next season in some way.
In March, TeamTalk reported that several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Leeds and West Ham, were mentioned as teams interested in adding the 33-goal hit man to their ranks this summer.
Well, after the news of Brentford’s promotion, the task of Leeds, Arsenal and West Ham to regain their talents became more difficult.
Whatever transfer fee was muted for Toney before Saturday, it probably added over £ 20 million because the ball is now on Brentford’s court.
Some fans may shrug off the idea of signing a championship striker, but the likes of Ollie Watkins and Patrick Bamford have proven this season worth a try.
Aston Villa broke the club’s record transfer fee for Watkins’ services from Griffin Park, and is now an England international.
Photo by Michael Regan /.
Whereas Bamford was only behind Harry Kane in terms of being the highest-scoring Englishman in the league this season.
Either way, more Arsenal, his team and the whole club need to freshen up, and while a player like Toney is not the only answer, he is the start of something promising.
Also, with West Ham in Europe, and their attacking line thin as it is, a player like Toney would go to London Stadium like a storm, but they may need to put a few million more on the table if they want to secure their services now.
In other news, ‘They don’t stand a chance’: Merson predicts who will win Manchester City-Chelsea
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