Chelsea have reportedly made a ‘strong entrance’ into the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.
The West London side failed to sign a striker in the summer but are continuing to assess the market ahead of the January transfer window.
Chelsea saw a move for Samu Aghehowa break down, while negotiations to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli also failed to find a breakthrough.
The latter instead signed for Galatasaray on a season-long loan deal, though has a ‘break clause’ should a leading club come in with a permanent transfer offer in the January transfer window.
He has scored nine goals in nine appearances across all competitions for the Turkish side, including a Europa League brace against Tottenham. Osimhen remains a player of interest to the Blues, though the focus has shifted.
Spanish outlet Fichajes have claimed that Gyokeres is now the leading transfer target for Chelsea and are prepared to go head-to-head with the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich for his signature.
Gyokeres has scored 66 goals in 68 appearances since signing for Sporting Lisbon from Coventry and hit the headlines with a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City earlier this month.
Sporting prepared to accept Gyokeres offers lower than €100m release clause
He has a release clause of €100m in his contract at the Estádio José Alvalade but the Portuguese champions are reportedly prepared to do business at around €50m to €60m. However, a mid-season exit is unlikely.
Chelsea want to bring in competition for Nicolas Jackson, despite the Senegalese striker’s impressive performances this season. Jackson has scored six goals and provided three assists in 11 league appearances this season.
