Chelsea to battle Manchester United for £66m-rated Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting
Gyokeres scored a hat-trick in the Champions League against Manchester City
Chelsea are set to challenge Manchester United in the race to sign in-demand striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, with the Portuguese club open to offers around £66million.
The 26-year-old made headlines on Wednesday with a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, bringing his season tally to 23 goals in just 17 appearances.
After joining Sporting from Championship side Coventry City for a modest £20million in July 2023, Gyokeres helped his new club claim the Portuguese league title and quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most coveted strikers.
His manager, Ruben Amorim has agreed to join United next week, sparking speculation that Gyokeres could eventually follow him to Old Trafford.
According to the Daily Star, Man United have been informed that Gyokeres has a €100million (£83million) release clause, though Sporting president Frederico Varandas would consider bids around €80million (£66million), potentially boosting United’s chances.
Chelsea, however, are also keen on the Swedish star, having shown interest over the summer.
The Blues might try to gain an advantage by pursuing Viktor Gyokeres in the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, part of Man United’s deal to secure Amorim includes a clause preventing them from signing any Sporting players until July.
United are in need of a clinical No. 9, having squandered the most big chances in the Premier League this season.
The Red Devils have invested heavily in strikers over the last two summers, signing Rasmus Hojlund for £72million and Joshua Zirkzee for £34million, but both have scored only once in the league this term.
After Gyokeres’ sensational performance against City, Amorim hinted that the striker’s departure might not be far off.
“If I start joking about this Gyokeres situation I’ll get in trouble,” the incoming United boss told A Bola post-match.
“This is my city, this is my country, so I’ll respect it.
“Viktor has to stay until the end of the season and then his life will probably go somewhere else.”
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