Chelsea must convince Ivan Toney to join them in the January transfer window. The Brentford striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Blues and Arsenal amid both teams struggles in attack.

Toney, 27, is still serving his eight-month suspension for breaching FA regulation surrounding gambling and betting, but is set to return to action on January 16. His 35 goals in the last two seasons for the Bees have made him one of the most in-demand centre-forwards in Europe ahead of January.

Mauricio Pochettino's men are keen to add another No.9 in the winter, despite the summer signings of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. Chelsea have scored 21 goals in 12 Premier League games - eight in their last two - but have ultimately struggled to find the back of the net.

A move for Toney is expected to be pursued once the winter window opens, although Pochettino will have to make a compelling argument for the England international to move to west London.

According to The Sun, Toney remains undecided on his future. A source close to the player has reportedly told the newspaper that he is unsure whether January will be the right time to leave Thomas Frank's side.

"A lot of people assume Ivan will be on his way after Christmas, but no deal has been done - and nothing has been decided," the source said. "Ivan is torn over his future. Brentford have stood by him and the club have been brilliant.

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"Part of him wants to help them by hitting the ground running straight away in January and scoring the goals which will ensure they stay in the Premier League.

"There are a lot of clubs interested in Ivan but his focus, for now, is getting back on the pitch at Brentford and doing the business for his manager Thomas Frank, to whom he feels he has a big debt to repay. The same goes for the fans."

If Chelsea are going to convince Toney to leave Brentford in January, they must do more than just double his wages. One thing that they must get right is the delivery of where he fits in Pochettino's side.

Fortunately for the Blues, the form in the last couple of months has improved. Alongside defensive solidarity, Chelsea are now a threat in attack through Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer.

Sterling has contributed to seven goals this season while Palmer has hit the ground running in the capital with 10 goal contributions. Mykhailo Mudryk is also showing potential this term meaning Toney won't be living off scraps.

In fact, only Manchester City have created more big chances (101) than Chelsea this season (81). Pochettino's attacking style of play is beginning to pay dividends at Stamford Bridge and will leave Toney licking his lips.