Barcelona hit stumbling block in race with Manchester United and Chelsea to sign 26-year-old star: Reports

Barcelona are seemingly facing issues with the signing of Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea. According to reports from fichajes.net, the Catalan club are facing financial issues, placing the aforementioned Premier League sides in an advantageous position.

The pursuit for the Sweden international isn't surprising at all, given his performances for Sporting of late. So far this campaign, the 26-year-old striker has played 18 matches across competitions, bagging 23 goals and four assists.

Moreover, Hansi Flick will be looking for a new long-term replacement for the ageing Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international is now 36 years old and is contracted at Camp Nou till the summer of 2026.

However, the aforementioned report makes it clear that Chelsea and Manchester United are in a better financial position to sign Gyokeres. It may seem surprising that the Blues are looking for a new number nine, given Nicolas Jackson's recent form.

The Senegal international has contributed six goals and three assists in 11 Premier League appearances this campaign. Finally, Manchester United also have a fair few options to turn to in the striker's role.

Currently, the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are fighting it out for minutes in this position. Therefore, Gyokeres will have to fend off threats from these two for regular game time at Old Trafford.

As far appealing prospects are concerned, Barcelona certainly stand out compared to Chelsea and Manchester United. The Blaugrana are currently top of the La Liga standings, six points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.

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Viktor Gyokeres makes admission about January transfer, amid interest from Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester United

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres has said that he will not be leaving his Portuguese employers in the January transer window amid interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Swedish forward has said he wants to finish the season with Sporting after which he will think about his future. Speaking about this recently, he said (via Football London):

“I want to finish this season at Sporting. I love it here. New club? We will see when the time comes. I want to play, that’s crucial… and there will be also other factors."

The three mentioned clubs aren't the only ones chasing Gyokeres, with Arsenal also said to be interested. According to reports, the 26-year-old has a release clause worth £83 million in his contract that may need to be met to sign him.