Brentford should consider making a move for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun if Ivan Toney is sold in the upcoming transfer windows.
The striker is serving a ban until January, but with just two years left on his deal and plenty of interest from a number of top teams, the Bees may be forced to cash in on their talisman in the next two windows.
This could mean that Brentford make another healthy profit on one of their stars, but the striker, who scored 21 goals last season, will be incredibly tough to replace, with Thomas Frank calling him “very special.”
However, if Brentford are proactive in the market, they may have a replacement on their doorstep. Arsenal starlet Balogun scored 22 goals whilst on loan at Reims last season, and the USA star is being coveted by clubs across Europe this summer.
Like Toney, he has two years left on his deal, and he may be set to leave as he is seemingly keen on being a first-choice pick wherever he ends up.
What can Balogun offer Brentford?
Whilst he offers far less physicality than Toney, who thrives off bullying defenders in the air, Balogun’s movement and finishing ability could help Brentford replace the Englishman’s attacking threat.
Toney scored 20 of Brentford’s 58 league goals last season, and without a suitable replacement, the Bees could face real trouble in front of goal.
Having a goalscorer like Balogun in the squad would allow Brentford to maintain their intense counter-attacking style of play, as he will be able to slot straight into the attack alongside Bryan Mbuemo given his pace and intelligent movement.
Although they are yet to register any interest in the forward, if an offer arrives for Toney to leave, or agree a future exit, then it is one the club could consider as they attempt to replace such an important figure.