Viktor Gyokeres: Where next for the star striker?

• Viktor Gyokeres has had an impressive season at Sporting Lisbon playing as a striker attracting the attention of top European clubs.
• Given that his Portuguese contract has a €100 million (£85 million) release clause, Sporting might make a significant profit if he is transferred.
• These are our top clubs that would love to acquire services of the striker this summer.

Viktor Gyokeres has had an impressive season at Sporting Lisbon playing as a striker attracting the attention of top European clubs.

Gyokeres, who joined Sporting from Coventry City, has had an incredible season and recently scored 40 goals across all competitions. Due to the Swedish striker’s goal return, Sporting is now leading the Primeira Liga, and at the conclusion of the season, he may fetch high prices for his services.

Given that his Portuguese contract has a €100 million (£85 million) release clause, Sporting might make a significant profit if he is transferred.

These are our top clubs that would love to acquire services of the striker this summer.

Liverpool

Darwin Nunez has failed to impress at Liverpool. Photo/ ESPN.

With Jurgen Klopp leaving Anfield in the summer, Liverpool will embark on a new path following their recent collapse in the championship race. Arne Slot, whose accomplishments at AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord delighted the Liverpool leadership, has agreed to an agreement to take command of the Merseysiders.

Given the rumors surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future and the inconsistent play of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo since joining the Premier League, center-forward may be a priority during the summer transfer window.

The latter’s inconsistent finishing has been especially concerning since it significantly underperforms his xG. In the last third, Luis Diaz , Mohammed Salah , and Cody Gakpo  have all failed to live up to expectations.

Gyokeres has surpassed his xG  and with 27 goals from 31 starts in the Primeira Liga this season.

Real Madrid

Viktor Gyokeres would fit with the Real Madrid team. Photo/ Sportstar – The Hindu.

Following their inability to secure a long-term successor for Karim Benzema, Real Madrid is looking to add a center-forward to their lineup this summer. When Benzema left to play in the Saudi Pro League last summer, Joselu’s loan move from Espanyol turned out to be a temporary solution.

Nevertheless, given that he has declared he would leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign, Kylian Mbappe appears to be the most probable successor. After pursuing the France captain for a long time, Real Madrid is anticipated to finalize his deal.

Manchester City

Viktor Gyokeres is favored to join for Manchester City over cross-town rivals Manchester United. Even if the Citizens don’t seem to need a center-forward right now, they are one of the few clubs in the world of football that can pay the 25-year-old’s release clause. The Premier League winners are one of those teams.

With Erling Haaland serving as Pep Guardiola’s squad’s resident goal scorer, the possibility of an all-star Scandinavian strikeforce emerged with his arrival at the Etihad.

Chelsea

Chelsea players celebrate. Photo/ Chelsea FC

Over the last ten years, Chelsea’s record in terms of signing strikers has been somewhat inconsistent.

Since Didier Drogba left Chelsea, only Diego Costa has appeared to be the genuine thing in a Chelsea shirt; Alvaro Morata, Kai Havertz, Romelu Lukaku, Tammy Abraham, and others haven’t been able to show their mettle.

Nicolas Jackson, a 22-year-old who was acquired by the West Londoners from Villarreal in 2023, has tallied 10 goals in the league in his first season. But a poor performance on xG (-3.86) indicates that more work has to be done. It appears like Chelsea’s biggest priority for the summer transfer window is a more dependable finisher.

Arsenal

It’s no secret that Mikel Arteta wants a potent presence up front, and Arsenal is now the front-runner to acquire Gyokeres.

Although Kai Havertz’s comeback at center forward has been well received in the final stretch, Arsenal seems to require a “killer” in the penalty area if they are to advance.

With his propensity to carry the ball and traverse the field, Gyokeres’ scoring and creative abilities might be a perfect fit for an Arsenal club that benefits from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka’s wide-ranging strikes.

In terms of offensive penalty area touches, carries into the penalty box, attempted take-ons, and progressive passes received in 2023–2024, the Swede tops Portugal’s Primeira Liga.