Chelsea now ready for Viktor Gyokeres deal as scouts monitor him closely

Chelsea now ready for Viktor Gyokeres deal as scouts monitor him closely

Chelsea are continuing to track Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres and sent scouts on yet another mission to watch the forward in action for his nation.

The Blues are one of a number of high-profile clubs ready to swoop for the Sweden international this summer, with Premier League leaders Arsenal also believed to be interested.

Gyokeres has enjoyed a stunning campaign for Sporting since swapping Coventry for Lisbon, netting 36 goals and laying on 14 assists in all competitions.

His strong form continued on Thursday evening as he netted against Portugal in a friendly, though it was only a consolation strike as Sweden were hammered 5-2.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Chelsea used the game as yet another scouting mission to watch Gyokeres in action in person – the third time scouts have watched him in as many months.

The Blues have been specifically targeting big matches, with their previous scouting trips coming in Sporting’s games against Porto and Benfica.

Although Sweden were second best on the night, Gyokeres gave a solid account of himself and netted with the side already 4-0 down, stealing in at the back post to tap in from very close range.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Gyokeres this summer but Chelsea’s presence at Thursday’s match suggests they are ramping up their interest.

According to Record, they came very close to making a play for his signature in the January window and are now ‘tightening their grip’ on the signing ahead of a summer swoop.

However, Gyokeres will not come cheap with Sporting adamant he will not be allowed to leave unless a suitor activates his €100million (£85m) release clause.

Gyokeres was asked about the speculation surrounding his future prior to Thursday’s game, telling reporters: ‘I don’t think much about it now actually, I want to win the league and the cup with Sporting – that’s where I’m putting all my energy and strength.’

On being linked with such big clubs, he continued: ‘It’s a sign that I’ve been performing well, but it’s not something I take too seriously.

‘It’s just speculation, but it’s good and fun to talk about.

‘We’ll see what happens in the summer, I don’t know what will happen. But I really like Sporting and I don’t feel stressed at all for what’s to come.’