Chelsea Are Eyeing This Sporting CP Striker In January: Decent Fit For Pochettino? | OneFootball

According to a report from Football.London, Chelsea appear to be eyeing Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres as Ivan Toney seems inclined towards a switch to Arsenal, while Victor Osimhen seems set to stay put at Napoli for now. Sporting lead the table in Portugal and faces Porto, who are level on points, prompting reports that the Blues will have scouts observing the Swedish player during their match on Monday. However, in the event that Gyokeres doesn’t impress, it’s rumored he’ll need to prove his worth despite an eye-catching £85 million valuation.

The 25-year-old recently joined Sporting CP for £15 million in the summer and has made quite an impact, showcasing impressive numbers with 16 goals and seven assists in 19 games this season.

This Swedish center-forward has shown remarkable reliability and consistency in the attacking zone, maintaining averages of 3.1 shots, 1.4 key passes, and 2.4 dribbles per game in Liga Portugal. His ability to connect with teammates in front of the goal is evident too, with a 75.5% completion rate for his passes in the top tier of Portuguese football (stats via whoscored).

With Gyokeres tied to the Portuguese team until the summer of 2028, securing him in January might prove challenging for the Blues unless they present a substantial offer.

Is He A Decent Fit For Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino?

Since his move to Sporting CP in the summer, Gyokeres has made a profound impact. The 25-year-old has displayed an impressive goal-scoring prowess and has proven his worth after being consistent in the attacking third. Mauricio Pochettino‘s tactical blueprint typically involves a dynamic, high-pressing style of play with an emphasis on fluid movement and quick transitions. Gyokeres, a versatile forward, has demonstrated his adaptability in Sporting’s setup.

His proficiency in taking shots, providing key passes, and dribbling aligns with the demands of an attacking role in Pochettino’s system. Moreover, his commendable link-up play and passing accuracy could complement the style of play the Argentine manager prefers.

However, securing Gyokeres won’t be a straightforward task for the West London club. His contract with Sporting CP extends until 2028, signaling a long-term commitment to his current club. This could pose a considerable hurdle for any potential transfer, especially in the midst of the January window.