With their search for a world-class striker always high on the agenda, Chelsea’s hunt has taken an exciting turn—they’re not bringing back Didier Drogba from retirement. After deciding not to partake in this transfer window, Barcelona suddenly have the Swedish goal machine tearing through the Portuguese league within their grasp in the form of Viktor Gyokeres.
Ever since leaving Coventry City, the Sporting CP forward has been a nightmare for goalkeepers, with 78 goals in 87 matches. In fact, this season alone, he’s had 35 goals, and he’s treating defenders as if they are training cones. Barca’s withdrawal, however, has catapulted Chelsea’s hopes as every top club craves him.
Does this then equate to Stamford Bridge finally having a creditable No. 9? Or, this is another case of Chelsea flirting with a world-class striker and failing to land one (Romelu Lukaku, cough).
Barcelona’s Risky Striker Gamble
Given Barcelona’s reputation as a club that makes smart footballing decisions and blush-inducing financial decisions, one might have expected them to relay on Gyokeres and step back from him, as the saying goes.
They have decided to stay with the Father Time defying Robert Lewandowski, who continues to fire on all cylinders with 33 goals in 36 games. Impressive really given the Polish marksman might start needing recovery naps between halves by then and will lead the line until the end of his contract in 2026.
Meanwhile their previous heir to Lewandowski’s throne, Vitor Roque, is set on a footballing tour with Real Betis and potentially Brazil. I think Barca is going to take the ‘we will figure it out later’ approach.
Why Chelsea Must Seal the Deal for Gyokeres
Always a true thing to say, let’s be honest, Chelsea’s attack this season has been as consistent as British weather. With Nicolas Jackson showing glimpses of brilliance, but not being a 30 goal a season striker that the Blues badly need, there is one position where the club has clearly failed in the transfer market. Enter Gyokeres.
The Swedish sharpshooter has made the big move and proved he can bang in goals at an elite level, finishing, and work rate are clearly strengths and it would seem the perfect fit for the Premier League. Chelsea can play this right, on paper they could at least have a striker who not goes missing in big games as a magician.
However, Chelsea cannot afford to dilly dally, with Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United still frontrunners for the Dutchman. The last thing they want is transfer saga ‘almost’ signing another player before he joins elsewhere – looking at you, Moisés Caicedo (sorry, Caicedo actually found a way).
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