Glen Johnson believes that Chelsea should try and sign Ivan Toney, in spite of his current ban which will keep him out until January.
Johnson started his career with West Ham United but was picked up by Chelsea in 2003 for £6 million, following the Hammers’ relegation.
The right back went on to make 42 appearances for the Blues in two full seasons before moving on loan to Portsmouth.
That deal was made permanent and after three seasons at Fratton Park he was on the move again.
160 appearances with Liverpool followed, before three seasons at Stoke City and then retirment.
Between 2003 and 2014, Johnson made 54 appearances for England as well as excelling in the Premier League.
What has Glen Johnson said about Ivan Toney?
Speaking ahead of the release of the new EA Sports FC 24 game next week, the former defender has been discussing various topics.
One of those subjects happened to be Brentford’s Toney and how he would fare at Stamford Bridge.
When asked about a move up the league, Johnson said: “It would obviously be a massive step up for Ivan in his career and he would be tested if he made that move.
“There’s another big gap when it comes to scoring in the Premier League and scoring goals for one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.”
When asked about the links between the striker and his former club, he said: “There are question marks regarding whether Ivan could be a success at Chelsea, but I believe he’s capable of being one.
“I believe he could be a risk worth taking in Chelsea’s case.”
The Blues have struggled for goals over the space of the last few years and so with Toney available he could solve that problem.
When discussing a fee for Toney, Johnson was unsure: “There’s rumours that Brentford want £80 million for Ivan and that’s a lot to pay for a player that’s yet to play at the highest level.
“I do believe that’s a lot to ask for because there’s still question marks surrounding whether Ivan can replicate his successes for Brentford at a bigger club.”
It is clear that Johnson believes in the Englishman, but still has questions about him, especially with his ban surrounding him currently.