Exclusive: Chelsea Ready to Hijack Manchester United's Move for Star Striker Viktor Gyokeres

Chelsea will consider hijacking yet another Manchester United ‘transfer’ as interest in Viktor Gyokeres continues to build.

Enzo Maresca’s side beat their Premier League rivals to the signature of Sporting Lisbon’s Geovany Quenda earlier this month, unveiling the youngster and his teammate Dario Essugo in a joint £62.4m deal. 

With former Leoes chief Ruben Amorim now in charge at Old Trafford, Quenda, one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, had been expected to choose the North-West rather than London having been cleared to leave.

But having persuaded the versatile Portugal under-21 international to plump for Stamford Bridge instead, negotiators there hope their relationship with officials at Estadio Jose Alvalade could give them a head-start in the race for Gyokeres’ services. 

The prolific Swedish striker appears set to depart this summer following just two seasons with the 20-time Primeira Liga champions.

Previously of Coventry City and Brighton and Hove Albion, Gyokeres has been a huge success since leaving Warwickshire - scoring 83 goals in only 91 appearances for Sporting. 

That remarkable record, combined with his commanding displays at the CBS Arena, have made him a just as coveted player as Quenda who can operate in either defence or attack.

Arsenal are also understood to be tracking Gyokeres' situation closely, as Mikel Arteta attempts to draft in a proven striker ahead of another title push. 

LUCRATIVE CONTRACT

Although reports suggest the striker is minded to join them rather than Chelsea or United, Maresca’s employers believe their involvement in the forthcoming World Club Cup event, combined with the ability to offer a long-term and lucrative contract would make them an equally attractive proposition should Gyokeres’ representatives be granted permission to discuss a move elsewhere.

Chelsea are also known to have struck up an excellent working relationship with their counterparts in Lisbon, whilst discussing the purchase of Quenda and Essugo.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Christopher Nkunku’s future in west London and Nicolas Jackson’s recent injury issues, Maresca views another centre-forward as one of his top priorities ahead of the tournament in the USA.