Chelsea are planning a massive summer bid for Brentford striker Ivan Toney after making him their number 1 transfer target, according to the Sun.
The one-cap England international has hit the ground running since returning from an eight-month ban due to betting-related offences, with three goals to his name in four appearances so far this term.
Brentford want around £80 million for the 27-year-old, and Arsenal are also keen on recruiting his services.
More suitors are expected to emerge for Toney who bagged 20 goals in 33 Premier League games last season, but Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino wants the club to pip competition to his services and has told the owners he can take them to the next level.
The Argentine believes the Arsenal target can make the Stamford Bridge club genuine title contenders again and has urged Chelsea to move heaven and earth to get him once he is available.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank recently admitted that Toney could be on his way out in the summer, and both the Blues and Gunners are expected to go head-to-head for his services when the next transfer window opens.
Chelsea have had Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen on their radar for a while, but the Nigerian international striker has emerged as a top target for Paris Saint-Germain following the decision of Kylian Mbappe to leave at the end of the season.
As a result, the Blues are targeting other realistic options, and Toney will also come cheaper compared to the Serie A star.
The Englishman also has the much-needed experience Chelsea lack having proved himself in the Premier League and Championship over the years, and he will be hungry to show what he is capable of at a big club.
However, missing out on the Champions League again could affect their chances of beating Arsenal to his services.
Chelsea are currently 10th in the Premier League table after 24 games, and finishing in the top-four with 13 points between them and fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur seems unlikely.
On the other hand, Arsenal are challenging for the title and will mostly finish in the top-four even if they end up missing out on the title, and Toney could be tempted to join them ahead of the Pensioners.