European club respond to Chelsea’s huge £73m bid for 20-goal forward

Sporting CP reject Chelsea bid for Viktor Gyokeres

Chelsea’s January window plan seems to be underway after the Blues made an expensive bid for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has 20 goals across all competitions this season.

According to the Portuguese newspaper Record, (h/t Metro) the West Londoners submitted €85 million (£73 million) with additional funds related to performance-related bonuses, but the Portuguese club didn’t entertain the bid and instantly rejected it. Trustworthy reporter Fabrizio Romano, however, affirms that the Blues have not yet made a bid.

However, they will only sell their starting striker if the clubs are ready to meet his €100 million (£86 million) release clause. Chelsea don’t intend to spend that much, and if they submit the entire fee, they can risk breaching financial fair play rules.

The Swedish striker, who was valued at around £20 million six months ago when he left for Sporting CP from Coventry has been identified by the Blues as a perfect candidate to lead their attacking line.

But his asking price remains a major issue for the club, and spending that much could lead to violating the FFP. They might have to wait for a few months and should make some revenue before any signings.

Gyokere’s value has increased due to his emerging progress, but it’s unclear if the West Londoners are willing to consider a major move once more. Prior to deciding on acquiring a striker, they should decide whether or not to sign Victor Osimhen.

Sporting CP reject Chelsea bid for Viktor Gyokeres. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres has 20 goals this season for Sporting CP. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Both are clinical strikers, but this season the Swedish is enjoying a prolific season, and this will certainly draw the attention of many clubs. Signing him in January seems challenging given the Blues won’t be able to spend this much.

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We have spent a lot in the last transfer window, and it looks like we have reached our FFP limit. Spending more than that could result in big consequences we don’t want to face.