Portuguese outlet Record reported that the Blues, alongside Juventus, have submitted formal enquiries for Gyokeres in recent hours, intensifying the race for the 26-year-old forward.

Arsenal had appeared to be in pole position, with reports on Wednesday claiming their directors had traveled to Lisbon to finalize a deal worth 70 million euros for Gyokeres, a player who has netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since joining from Coventry in 2023.

However, Sporting's vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha quickly dismissed these claims, stating to reporters, "He has three more years on his contract. At the moment, there are no offers. We want to keep the best players and retain talent. We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams, and fight on all fronts."

Zenha emphasized Sporting's strong position, adding, "In the years when Sporting were champions, we even made fewer sales than in other years. The fact that we are champions gives us a greater ability to retain players and talent.

"Coincidence or not, we have not had to sell any players in those times. Not that we have not received offers, but the market is not under our control."

Arsenal's interest in Gyokeres has been driven by sporting director Andrea Berta, who reportedly favored the Swede over RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko due to the high transfer fee demanded for the latter.

However, the Daily Mail revealed that doubts have emerged within Arsenal's ranks, with some questioning whether Gyokeres can adapt quickly to the Premier League, given the differences between England's top flight and Portugal's Primeira Liga.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have wasted no time after their UEFA Conference League final victory, with The Sun reporting that the Blues' transfer chiefs are eager to secure a new striker ahead of the Club World Cup. Their swift action has put them in direct competition with Arsenal, who have been long-term admirers of Gyokeres.

Adding to the intrigue, Chelsea are also exploring a potential move for Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, who has reportedly approved a switch to Stamford Bridge. The 30 million euro-rated striker had previously been linked with Manchester United, but the lack of European football at Old Trafford appears to have shifted his preference.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano believes Gyokeres could leave Sporting for a package of 50-55 million euros, with both Arsenal and Manchester United showing strong interest. However, Sporting have yet to confirm any official bids, leaving the door open for Chelsea to make their mark.

As the transfer window heats up, the battle for Viktor Gyokeres promises to be one of the summer's most gripping storylines, with Chelsea and Arsenal locked in a high-stakes chase for the goal-scoring sensation.

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