As the summer transfer window comes to a close, Chelsea is contemplating a significant shift in their striker targets.
Initially linked with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, the club is now reportedly considering a move for Sporting CP’s Swedish forward, Victor Gyokeres, who has recently emerged as a more suitable option.
According to the latest reports, Chelsea has withdrawn their interest in Osimhen, redirecting their focus to Gyokeres, who has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most clinical forwards.
Chelsea’s start to the 2024/25 Premier League season was less than ideal, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Manchester City.
Despite the loss, there were positive takeaways, such as the fact that Chelsea created more significant chances and boasted a higher expected goals (xG) metric than their opponents.
However, the match also underscored a familiar issue for the Blues—a persistent inability to convert scoring opportunities into goals.
This ongoing problem has led Chelsea to explore various striker options throughout the summer transfer window.
Nicolas Jackson currently holds the position of Chelsea’s first-choice striker.
While Jackson had a promising debut season, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, concerns remain regarding his consistency in front of goal.
This has driven Chelsea’s search for a more reliable and clinical striker who can lead the line with greater efficiency.
Victor Gyokeres has emerged as a leading candidate to fill this role.
The Swedish international joined Sporting CP from Coventry City in July 2023 for €24 million (£20 million) and has since taken the Portuguese league by storm.
In his first season with Sporting, Gyokeres made 50 appearances across all competitions, scoring a remarkable 43 goals and providing 15 assists.
His impressive start to the current campaign, where he has already netted six goals and contributed three assists in just four games, has only intensified Chelsea’s interest.
When comparing Gyokeres to Victor Osimhen, another highly sought-after striker, several key differences come to light.
Both players are recognized for their goal-scoring abilities, but their playing styles diverge significantly.
Gyokeres is known for his versatility, excelling in various phases of play beyond just scoring goals.
He is capable of running the channels, dropping deep to link up play, and contributing defensively when necessary.
This makes him a complete forward who can influence the game in multiple ways.
On the other hand, Osimhen is more of a traditional striker, specializing in positioning, physicality, and finishing within the penalty box.
His game is centered around dominating defenders and creating scoring opportunities in and around the 18-yard area.
While Osimhen’s physical presence is a significant asset, Gyokeres’ ability to contribute across the pitch makes him a more well-rounded option for a team like Chelsea, which often requires its forwards to engage in various aspects of play.
A closer look at their performance statistics reveals some intriguing contrasts.
Per 90 minutes, Gyokeres scores 0.87 goals, surpassing Osimhen’s 0.62.
Additionally, Gyokeres averages 0.31 assists per 90 minutes, compared to Osimhen’s 0.11. Gyokeres also leads in expected goals (xG) with 0.69, slightly higher than Osimhen’s 0.65.
Furthermore, Gyokeres excels in progressive carries (3.66 per 90 minutes) and progressive passes (1.68 per 90), both of which are significantly higher than Osimhen’s figures.
Although Osimhen takes more shots per 90 minutes (3.69) compared to Gyokeres (3.13), Gyokeres is more efficient, scoring 0.22 goals per shot, while Osimhen scores 0.14.
Gyokeres also outperforms his xG by +0.17, indicating a high level of clinical finishing, whereas Osimhen slightly underperforms with a G-xG of -0.03.
In terms of aerial duels won, Gyokeres marginally edges out Osimhen with 1.88 duels won per 90 minutes compared to Osimhen’s 1.81.
These statistics highlight Gyokeres’ all-around game and his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
His efficiency in front of goal, combined with his versatility and contribution in various phases of play, makes him an attractive option for Chelsea.
While Osimhen’s strengths, particularly his physicality and ability to dominate in the box, are undeniable, Gyokeres’ more complete forward play might be better suited to Chelsea’s tactical approach.
Given Chelsea’s current needs and their desire to convert more of their chances into goals, Gyokeres appears to be the ideal candidate to address their striker problem.
His impressive goal-scoring record, coupled with his ability to outperform his expected goals metric, suggests that he could provide the clinical edge that Chelsea has been lacking.
Additionally, his strong start to the current season indicates that he is ready to take on the challenge of playing at a higher level, such as the Premier League.
As the transfer window reaches its final stages, Chelsea would be wise to secure the services of Victor Gyokeres.
His combination of goal-scoring prowess, versatility, and efficiency in front of goal makes him an ideal fit for a Chelsea side looking to compete at the highest levels of English and European football.
By bringing in Gyokeres, Chelsea could finally solve their long-standing striker issue and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming season.