Chelsea lead the race for 23-goal European star to address striking woes

Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea

Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting in third place after amassing 19 points from the opening 11 games.

Enzo Maresca has done a brilliant job since succeeding Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, stabilizing the club after a disastrous 2023/24 season. Despite already having a solid group of players and being in a strong position in the Premier League, Maresca remains keen on reinforcing his attacking options with more youthful, hungry and dynamic acquisitions. It looks like the Italian tactician is eyeing a new striker in 2025.

According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea are leading the race in the signing of Sporting CP marksman Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swedish international has established himself as one of the best strikers in European football since arriving at Sporting CP from Coventry City in the summer of 2023. He has been in the form of his life in Portugal, scoring a remarkable 66 goals in 68 games across all competitions for the Lions, including 23 in 18 this season.

This has seen Viktor Gyokeres apparently attract interest from several big clubs across Europe including Chelsea. The sought-after 26-year-old is planning to leave Sporting CP next year, with the aforementioned report adding that Stamford Bridge appears to be his likely destination due to Chelsea’s need to strengthen their forward line. The striker’s also fits perfectly with the profile Maresca is looking for.

Nicolas Jackson has done a good job leading the Blues attack this season, netting six goals in 11 Premier League outings. However, with the West London club harbouring lofty ambitions that extend beyond domestic success, Maresca perhaps wants to sign an upgrade on Jackson.

And Gyokeres certainly serves as one, with the striker not only clinical in front of goal—as demonstrated by his numbers at Sporting—but also adept at linking up play, combining with his teammates, creating chances and making assists. Add his versatility to the table, the Stockholm-born talent can flourish at Chelsea with creative midfielders and pacey wingers around him. He’ll certainly improve the productivity of Maresca’s side.

There is no doubt that Gyokeres is good enough to play at the highest level and a move to Chelsea will be an attractive opportunity for him. However, if Chelsea are serious about securing Gyokeres’ signature, they will have to meet his £85 million release clause.

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It is good to see the Blues are showing great ambition and have supposedly placed themselves in a pole position to land the Sporting CP ace.