ISL 2017/18: ATK in talks to sign Minerva Punjab's Bhutanese import Chencho Gyeltshen

What's the story?

Indian Super League (ISL) franchise ATK are in talks to sign Minerva Punjab's star man Bhutanese international Chencho Gyeltshen, Sportskeeda has learnt.

In case you didn't know...

Chencho Gyeltshen is Bhutan national team's all-time leading scorer with ten goals in 28 caps for his homeland. Chencho has played for a lot of clubs in the Bhutan National League and even had a couple of stints in Thailand before signing for Minerva Punjab FC this season.

The heart of the matter

It has been learnt that defending ISL champions ATK are closing in on Bhutanese forward Chencho for the next season. Chencho was a major influence in the Chandigarh-based side's first I-League title this season as they became the second side from Punjab to win the top division of Indian football after JCT won the National Football League in 1996-97.

Chencho Gyeltshen was one of the most important players on the Minerva side as his pace, dribbling, and ability to score crucial goals helped them clinch the I-League title. In the 18 matches played in the season, Chencho managed to score seven goals for the Punjab outfit.

Chencho's performances put him on the radar of a lot of ISL franchises and ATK have emerged as the first movers to secure the signature of the Bhutanese striker.

What's next?

ATK have not made any formal announcements so far and it will be interesting to see if Minerva Punjab let their star man go to the ISL franchise.

Author's take

Chencho Gyeltshen was perhaps one of the biggest revelations this season in the I-League as he dazzled the pitch with his performances leading the Minervans to glory. ATK have had a poor season this season in the ISL and Chencho's addition will surely do wonders for them.