Atletico madrid enter Gyokeres race as Chelsea's interest cools

LALIGA giants Atletico Madrid have reportedly entered the race for Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, as they look to level up their squad after a disappointing 2023/24 season, and two key exits. 

The Rojiblancos have to make signings in the striker department, after the exit of one striker, Memphis Depay, and the impending departure of another, Alvaro Morata. 

Depay joined Atletico Madrid in the winter transfer window of 2023 from rivals Barcelona; however, he failed to truly establish himself. He left the club following the expiration of his contract last month and is currently a free agent. 

Alvaro Morata, on the other hand, hinted at a possible departure weeks ago, after he expressed his disappointment over the multiple reports on Atleti’s search for a striker. 

He is now said to have reached an agreement in principle with Serie A giants AC Milan and is expected to join them this summer. 

According to the Spanish publication MD, the Madrid-based club have identified 26-year-old Gyokeres as an ideal option for their striking needs. 

The Swede was one of the hottest names in the transfer window, off the back of a 43-goal involvement for Sporting Lisbon last season. However, interest in him has since cooled, with Sporting holding out on his €100 million release clause. 

The Portuguese club are now said to be willing to negotiate to a fee significantly lesser than the release clause, and Atletico Madrid are willing to enter into negotiations, according to reports.