Chelsea could look to repeat their exploits with Geovany Quenda by hijacking Arsenal’s transfer for another Sporting Lisbon star in Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
Gyokeres is expected to leave Sporting during the transfer window and Arsenal have become the frontrunners for his signature after accepting that top target Alexander Isak is likely to be unattainable this summer.
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The Gunners are desperate to sign a specialist striker and the arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta has seen Gyokeres return to the forefront of their thoughts ahead of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
However, Portuguese newspaper A Bolo have claimed that Chelsea could emerge as rivals to sign Gyokeres as they too search for a new striker this summer, with the Blues hoping to build on their strong connection with Sporting to beat Arsenal to the punch.
Chelsea have already agreed to sign Sporting youngster Dario Essugo this summer, while Enzo Maresca’s men also secured a deal for Geovany Quenda despite initial suggestions that the teenager was set to join Manchester United.
Gyokeres is believed to prefer to join a top Premier League side like Arsenal or Liverpool but the 27-year-old is also thought to be open to a move to Stamford Bridge, putting the Gunners on alert if Chelsea do make a strong pursuit for the Swedish hot-shot.
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With Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all set to be in the market for a striker this summer, prolific marksmen like Gyokeres will undoubtedly find themselves the attention of multiple clubs.
Sporting’s willingness to sell Gyokeres for less than €70 million has led to fierce interest in the striker who is seen as a cheaper option to the likes of Sesko or Victor Osimhen on the market.
Ipswich’s Liam Delap and out-of-contract Lille forward Jonathan David are also expected to feature heavily in the thoughts of Premier League sides this summer, indicating that there could still be plenty of twists to come across the transfer window.
However, Chelsea have proven to be aggressive in the market in recent years and it would not be surprising if they made the first move towards their preferred target once their European fate is determined at the end of the season.
Arsenal may have to move quickly to avoid any disruption by Chelsea in their transfer plans, particularly if Gyokeres is the man chosen by Mikel Arteta as the club’s new number nine.
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