Chelsea are preparing a summer move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres amidst interest from rivals Manchester United.
Chelsea will be in the market next summer for a new striker as Enzo Maresca seeks more quality and depth in the final third. According to a report from GiveMeSport, the Blues are gearing up to make a move for Sporting CP ace Viktor Gyokeres who could be made available for a cut-price fee.
Gyokeres has taken his game to another level since joining the Portuguese club in the summer of 2023 from Coventry City. He has been one of the best strikers in all of Europe. The 26-year-old has 77 goals and 23 assists in just 86 outings for Sporting.
He has been their standout performer with 42 goal contributions in the ongoing campaign. While his contract there runs until the summer of 2028, he is expected to be on the move next summer. There was no shortage of interest in him last summer as well but he decided to stay put. However, the departure of Ruben Amorim mid-season has changed things up.
Chelsea to go after Gyokeres
Gyokeres is all set to take the next step in his career and he certainly has no shortage of options. Chelsea who ruled out a move for the Swedish international last summer are one of the clubs who could make a move this time around.
Enzo Maresca wants to reinforce his attack on a priority basis. He wants to bring in a world-class striker who can compete with Nicolas Jackson in the final third. While the Blues have Jackson, Marc Guiu and Christopher Nkunku who can feature in the number nine role, the Italian still wants to bring in a proven goal scorer.
Gyokeres’ ability to hold up play in the final third and his red-hot form are major reasons for their interest in his services. More importantly, Sporting are willing to sanction his departure for around £58 million which makes him an even more attractive option given his release clause is close to £84 million.
Manchester United to rival Chelsea
With Sporting ready to sell him for a cut-price fee, Chelsea have been put on red alert and they are gearing up to make a move next summer. But, they are not the only club who are after his signature. Rivals Manchester United could make things difficult for them.
Ruben Amorim wants to reunite with the Swedish star at Old Trafford and he is amongst United’s top targets to reinforce their attack. While the Red Devils are gearing up to battle it out with the Blues, the player is expected to have the final say.
