Brentford’s valuation of Ivan Toney may have seemed exorbitant at first glance, but the English striker’s remarkable abilities make the asking price entirely justified.

The summer transfer window has barely closed, yet the relentless rumor mill has already chosen its next target. Brentford, no stranger to seeing their star players linked with other clubs, finds themselves in familiar territory. Such is life outside the Premier League, where the lure of top-flight clubs is constant. However, the recent buzz surrounding Ivan Toney potentially moving to Arsenal or Chelsea has garnered significant attention.

This doesn’t appear to be a baseless rumor, as Brentford’s coach, Thomas Frank, recently acknowledged the possibility of Toney departing in January. Speaking on Sky Sports’ ‘Monday Night Football’ to Jamie Carragher and Dave Jones, Frank stated, “I think every club in the world is a club that sells players except five or six clubs. We are a club that sells players, if the price is right.”

He continued, “I think if the time is right for a player to leave, from my point of view it’s not my decision. That’s up to Phil Giles, director of football, or Matthew Benham, owner of Brentford. Then, if they have developed well with us, have progressed along the way, and have now proven themselves worthy of joining top clubs, I believe it’s the right move, if the price is right.”

Initially, it was believed that Toney could make the switch from Brentford for as little as £60 million ($73 million). However, recent reports suggest that his current club would demand a fee closer to £80 million ($97 million). Such a transfer would make him Arsenal’s second most expensive signing of all time, should they choose to proceed.

This may appear to be a substantial investment for a 27-year-old who was playing in League One just four years ago. Still, Toney’s recent performances leave no doubt that he possesses the qualities to justify such a price tag.