- 21 hours ago
Chelsea given FREE RUN at Gyokeres transfer as rivals make SHOCK decision
Suraj Radia
- 25 Feb 2025 11:00 GMT
- 3 min read
Viktor Gyokeres could have taken a massive step towards a move to Chelsea after one of the frontrunners for his signature ruled themselves out of the running for his transfer this summer.
Gyokeres is expected to be one of the top striker targets on the market this summer, with Sporting Lisbon willing to cash in on their prolific marksman for around €70 million.
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Manchester United and Arsenal have also been linked with Gyokeres but Chelsea are recently believed to have reignited their interest in the Swede.
However, Gyokeres is thought to prefer a move to a Champions League club, effectively ruling out Manchester United, while Arsenal are also thought to be prioritising a younger player such as Alexander Isak or Benjamin Sesko.
And Chelsea could now have a free run at Gyokeres after Barcelona became the latest club to bow out of the race for the 26-year-old according to Spanish outlet SPORT.
The La Liga giants will reportedly activate a one-year option in Robert Lewandowski’s contract and continue with the Polish veteran as their number nine next season, with resources instead being used to sign a winger instead of another striker.
Gyokeres and Isak the 'biggest losers' in Barca decision
Barca’s desire to exercise their option in Lewandowski’s contract is somewhat surprising due to their battle with La Liga’s salary restrictions, while the 36-year-old is their highest earner.
However, Lewandowski has still shown no signs of slowing down despite his age, with the ex-Bayern Munich star having scored 20 times in 24 La Liga appearances this season.
Both Hansi Flick and Barca’s board are said to have been keen to give a gesture of confidence to Lewandowski and have therefore activated their extension even before it was necessary to do so.
Current ETV
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Sporting CP
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Sporting CP
ETV Range
€67.5M - €82.5M
The report claims that Barca’s decision leaves Gyokeres and Isak as ‘the biggest losers’ since the Catalans will now be unable to afford either player despite both being ‘offered’ to the club.
Barca will also have the option to further extend Lewandowski’s contract until 2027, meaning they will avoid searching for a new striker and persist with Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo as backup options.
