Sam Allardyce declares: Chelsea owns a £60m “superstar” who’s superior to even Viktor Gyokeres.

In a summer of high-stakes transfers, Chelsea and Arsenal made bold moves to bolster their attacking ranks, with the Blues splashing £60m on Brighton’s Joao Pedro and the Gunners securing Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres. While both signings generated buzz, it’s Chelsea’s Brazilian star who’s stealing the spotlight, earning high praise from former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce, who boldly ranks Pedro above Gyokeres in the league’s pecking order.

Chelsea’s Summer Spending Spree

Chelsea’s transfer window was all about strengthening their forward line. After enquiring about Gyokeres, who lit up Portugal with an astonishing 54 goals for Sporting CP last season, the Blues ultimately turned their attention to Joao Pedro. The £60m signing from Brighton, paired with the acquisition of Ipswich Town’s promising striker Liam Delap, signaled Enzo Maresca’s intent to build a dynamic, goal-hungry squad.

Meanwhile, Arsenal won the race for Gyokeres, bringing the 27-year-old Swedish striker to North London in July. With a reputation as a clinical finisher, Gyokeres arrived with lofty expectations, but it’s Chelsea’s new boy who’s turning heads early in the 2025-26 campaign.

Allardyce’s Verdict: Pedro Shines Bright

On the No Tippy Tappy Football show, Sam Allardyce didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Premier League’s top strikers. In a surprising twist, he placed Chelsea’s Joao Pedro at fourth in his rankings, while Arsenal’s Gyokeres trailed behind in eighth. Allardyce’s top 10 list reads as follows:

Allardyce was effusive in his praise for Pedro, stating, “Over the last few years, he has proven to be a top player who can score goals. He’s what we all want to see.” The veteran manager highlighted Pedro’s composure and versatility, qualities that have made him a standout in Chelsea’s system under Maresca. Despite minor injury setbacks, Pedro has started every league match this season, thriving as either a central striker or a creative number 10.

Pedro vs. Gyokeres: The Tale of the Tape

The numbers tell a compelling story. In just 12 appearances for Chelsea, Pedro has delivered five goals and three assists, including a notable contribution in the Club World Cup. His ability to adapt to multiple roles and maintain a cool head in front of goal has made him indispensable to Maresca’s setup. Former Chelsea star Oscar has even dubbed Pedro the “face of Chelsea” after just a few months, a testament to his rapid rise.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, has found the net three times in 10 appearances for Arsenal. While his goal-scoring record at Sporting CP—97 goals in 102 matches—suggests he’s a lethal finisher, the Swede is still finding his feet in the Premier League. His career stats showcase his pedigree:

Compare that to Pedro’s journey:

While Gyokeres’ goal-scoring numbers are undeniably impressive, Pedro’s early impact at Chelsea—combined with his versatility and playmaking ability—gives him the edge for now.

The Road Ahead

The 2025-26 season is still young, and both players have plenty of time to prove their worth. Gyokeres, entering his prime at 27, carries the weight of expectations to replicate his Sporting CP form and fire Arsenal to glory. Pedro, meanwhile, is proving to be a £60m bargain, seamlessly integrating into Chelsea’s system and earning plaudits from fans and pundits alike.

As the debate over their rankings continues, one thing is clear: Joao Pedro is emerging as Chelsea’s superstar, and if Allardyce’s assessment holds true, the Blues may have pulled off one of the signings of the season. With a full campaign ahead, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see if Pedro can maintain his meteoric rise.