Chelsea step up striker search with eyes on Viktor Gyokeres
Chelsea have stepped up their search for a forward and are in direct contact with the camp of Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP’s 22-goal Swedish forward. Given that the club is going through a big summer revamp, the 25-year-old has registered as one of their leading names in an attacking addition shopping list.
Gyokeres has been sensational in Portugal since leaving Coventry City, scoring more than 33 goals and providing double-digit assists across all competitions this campaign. His Hollywood-esque form has driven Sporting CP to the summit of Liga Portugal, but also attracted the interest of Europe’s elite. Chelsea, with a record of splurging on potential, are now interested in securing the Swedish inswinger for Stamford Bridge.
While early reports suggested that Chelsea made a £73 million bid, reliable sources such as football.london and 90min have clarified that the club hasn’t made any formal offer. Therefore, Chelsea have already broached direct talks with Viktor Gyokeres’ reps, which suggests the Blues mean business with this striker.
Gyokeres’ €100 million (£86m) release clause is also another increasingly-used talking point, most notably because Sporting also maintain that they won’t negotiate on that fee. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints already having an impact on Chelsea’s market activity of late, the club will almost certainly have to sell one or more stars or come up with a creative way of structuring a deal to facilitate such a high profile addition.
What makes Gyokeres the ideal target for Chelsea?
With versatile, powerful and ultimately productive skillset he may prove an irresistible option for a Chelsea team still in search of a dependable source of goals. Although Nicolas Jackson has looked promising in his first season here, inconsistency and missed opportunities have highlighted the need for a clinical presence up front — that is something Gyokeres has been this season.
He’s not just goals, either — the former Brighton man has good ball-carrying numbers, elite pressing intensity, and physicality to spare for life in the Premier League. That profile aligns with the model Chelsea seem to be constructing around their current recruitment approach: youthful, agile talents with scope to develop and short-term influence.
For all the connections, Gyokeres himself recently doused some cold water on immediate transfer talk. “I’m focused on the present and doing well for Sporting,” he said calmly but with confidence. “I’m happy here.” It’s a standard professional answer, but it doesn’t quite slam the door on future opportunities.
And as Mauricio Pochettino has comes under pressure to take steps forward next season, a new striker could be key in reshaping Chelsea’s attacking identity. Should Gyokeres maintain his form and Sporting stick to their price, Chelsea face a big decision — go all-in now or look elsewhere until the market changes.
Author’s Opinion: Time to go all in or play it smart?
Viktor Gyokeres is undoubtedly enjoying a breakout season. But his goal count, technical quality and style of play make him one of European football’s hottest properties at present. For Chelsea, still reconstructing itself after Roman Abramovich, he is an investment, and for risk and reward, all at once.
That is a hefty fee, €100 million, particularly for a player who, although enjoying the fruits of his selection in Liga Portugal, has yet to establish himself at the absolute apex. Chelsea has to balance that risk carefully. High-profile striker signings over the past few seasons haven’t always gone according to plan — Lukaku’s return is just the latest, and his misfiring is far from isolated, with players such as Werner also struggling.
That being said, Gyokeres also ticks a lot of boxes and has the make-up to succeed under pressure. If the Blues can arrange the deal in a smart manner — with, say, bonuses or player swaps — the move could turn out to be one of the smartest pieces of business they’ve done since they acquired Diego Costa.
In short, this isn’t just a transfer rumour, it’s a genuine opportunity developing. Chelsea have a genuine interest in the striker, discussions are ongoing, and though nothing is particularly close, Viktor Gyokeres to Chelsea is a narrative to watch closely.
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