Karim Benzema is exploring his options in the January transfer window, sources have told
@LaurensJulien
. The Premier League could be an option for Benzema with Chelsea showing interest
Chelsea sent packing in race to sign brilliant 20-goal striker: ‘As soon as they said €85m I thought it’s not enough’
According to reports, one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe is available for £73 million (€85 million) from Chelsea during the January transfer window.
A prolific No. 9 is a need for Mauricio Pochettinio’s Chelsea squad following their goal-scoring wоes this season.
Even though three of Nicolas Jackson’s goals came in a victory over a Tottenham team that was down to nine players, he has scored eight goals in 23 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions this season.
Ivan Toney of Brentford, Victor Osimhen of Napoli, and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting have all been connected with moves to west London as a result of the club’s intense pursuit of a new center striker.
After Arsenal bet the farm on Toney, TEAMtalk reported on Wednesday that Chelsea may pursue Osimhen with ease; however, former Coventry striker Gyokeres is still a possibility.
Despite what Sporting manager Ruben Amorim has said regarding Chelsea’s pursuit of his star forward, you would not expect that.
Since joining Sporting from the Sky Blues last summer for €24 million (£20 million), Gyokeres has scored 20 goals in 24 games across all competitions.
Sporting has reportedly turned down a £73 million (€85 million) deal from the Blues to sign the Sweden international earlier this month.
Chelsea must activate the €100 million (£85.8 million) release clause to acquire Gyokeres in the winter transfer window, according to Amorim, who was also a target for the Chelsea managerial position prior to Pochettino’s hiring.On Gyokeres’s stay, Amorim is bullish.Amorim stated on Wednesday, in response to a question on Chelsea’s bid for Gyokeres, that he was unaware of the situation as he had not consulted with Sporting’s director of football, Hugo Viana.
Of course I found out about it, and my first reaction was, “it’s not enough” when they mentioned €85 million.
It will only be revealed through the clause in the midst of the season. Since we have no sаy over that, I’m trying to keep my cool.
We need to evaluate how Viktor affects the squad before making any major changes, which is why the management is making an effort to only release players who we cannot afford to lose due to the clause.
“When I first heard the figure, I dismissed it as insufficient and continued on.
“We have no control over the fact that there are clubs in this day and age that can afford to pay €100 million.”There may be summer proposals, but I haven’t talked to Viana about this one yet, so I can’t sаy for sure.
“It appears unlikely that anyone will reach €100 million at this stage in January.”
On January 23, Chelsea will host Middlesbrough for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, marking their return to action.
In their first match at The Riverside, Pochettino’s squad was humiliated by a 1-0 loss due to a goal by Hayden Hackney. Unfortunately, they failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities on Teeside.