Chelsea are now far less interested in signing one Premier League forward than they were this time last year.

Well-respected journalist Simon Phillips has explained that Chelsea do still have him on their shortlist for the upcoming summer window, but it’s only ‘tentative interest’ at this current stage.

The Telegraph has claimed that incoming Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has asked the club to sign a new forward as one of three priority signings.

‘Special’ forward is not first choice for Chelsea
Simon Phillips has claimed via his Substack on Wednesday that Brentford striker Ivan Toney does remain a transfer target for Chelsea.

He’s described it as ‘tentative interest’ from the Blues in the 28-year-old forward, though.

Phillips shares that Toney has ‘fallen down the list’ when it comes to Chelsea’s shortlist of potential striker targets. They have kept in touch with the England international’s representatives after interest last summer, but they’re not as keen this time around.

Apparently, the likes of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are placed higher on the wanted list.

Toney is currently with the England squad before Euro 2024 despite an interrupted year in Brentford colours, scoring four goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season. He’s still rated enough to get international recognition, though.

Described as “special” by Tony Cascarino via talkSPORT, Toney can be a formidable No 9 on his day.

Ivan Toney remains an interesting option
The Chelsea Chronicle thinks you can still make quite a compelling case to make Brentford’s Toney a main target ahead of next season.

Yes, he’s a been a little slow getting back to full speed after his suspended break from football. However, unlike some other Chelsea striker targets, he’s proven in England’s top division.

Toney has 36 goals in 85 Premier League career appearances. You’d guess he’s about to enter his prime years and kick on now, too.