Arsenal and Chelsea may find it challenging to convince Viktor Gyokeres to move in January, with the striker not keen on leaving Sporting CP.
According to Football Insider, Viktor Gyokeres is unlikely to leave Sporting CP midway through the season in January. The Swedish striker could emerge as an option in the winter window for the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. But he might resist the temptation and stay put at least until next summer.
Viktor Gyokeres is not keen on January exit
Before the summer window commenced, many top clubs were expected to scramble for strikers, although barely a few made their moves. Despite the host of names expected to move about, none of the top-rated targets got their big moves in the window, which has left a baffling impression.
Viktor Gyokeres, in particular, was widely expected to make the switch to one of the top clubs, specifically in the Premier League. The Swede produced a tremendous season at Sporting CP, scoring 43 goals in all competitions and helping them lift the Portuguese league title. With such a season under his belt, the Liga side reportedly held on to his £84 million release clause valuation, which no club was willing to pay.
Despite all the transfer links, Gyokeres was committed to Sporting CP, and besides a few loose enquiries, no concrete offers arrived. Meanwhile, there is further speculation that the £84 million-rated goal machine could attract further interest in January when the window re-opens. But the Swedish striker may lean towards staying at Sporting.
It is often the case in January that clubs want to retain their top players, and Sporting would certainly not look to sell him. Hence, unless an interested side comes in and triggers the £84 million release clause, the striker will likely stay put where he is right now.
Arsenal and Chelsea retain Gyokeres interest
Arsenal sent scouts to watch Gyokeres early in the season, as the striker has already contributed 15 goals this term for his club and country. A late move was not ruled out until the end when the Gunners decided to sign Raheem Sterling on loan, although they might take a look at the Swede in January.
Chelsea were keen on Victor Osimhen right until the end of the transfer window, but could not agree on personal terms with the striker. While they still need a striker, there are doubts about whether they will return for the Nigerian, which makes Gyokeres an exciting option, although they will be required to fork out his full release clause in January.
