Chelsea set sights on signing Juventus star in ‘the prime of his career’
Chelsea have joined Newcastle in the race to sign out-of-contract Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic this summer.
Vlahovic has made a name for himself throughout his career as a regular goalscorer in Serie A for both Fiorentina and Juventus.
The Serbia striker has bagged 64 times in 164 games over the last four years in Turin, with eight goals in 20 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
Football Insider have previously revealed that Tottenham are interested in signing Vlahovic, with his Juve contract set to expire in the summer.
Newcastle have also been touted to move for Vlahovic, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Chelsea are also keeping tabs on his availability right now.
Chelsea interested in Vlahovic ahead of summer contract expiry
Chelsea signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to compete for minutes up front last summer, but neither striker has shone consistently so far this term.
Vlahovic is set to represent real value for money, given his goalscoring record at 26-years-old, and the Blues could look to land him on a free transfer ahead of next season.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’ll be a number of clubs who’ll be looking at Vlahovic’s situation at Juventus.
“It does seem as if he is running down his contract in Turin, and will want a new challenge. Newcastle, I’m sure, will be one of those clubs who’ll be hoping they can lure him to the Premier League.
“Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the Serbian. AC Milan are also very strongly linked with a move for him, they would like to keep Vlahovic in the Serie A.
“Anybody who’s needing a striker in the summer transfer window, which I’m sure will be plenty of clubs, Vlahovic will be high up on those lists because he has been a proven goalscorer for Juventus over the years.
“He’s still only 26 as well so he’s at a good age coming to the prime of his career.”
Cole Palmer among numerous Chelsea stars who want to sign a new contract
Vlahovic would not be a cheap option in terms of his wage demands if he were to join Chelsea this summer, and that could potentially put them off a move, considering their already hefty wage bill.
Those figures only look set to rise in the months and years to come, with ex-Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness revealing to Football Insider that Palmer is set to demand an improved Chelsea deal amid links to Man United.
Not only is the 23-year-old believed to be interested in another contract, but football finance expert Stefan Borson has told Football Insider that Levi Colwill, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo want to agree new deals at Chelsea.
The Blues’ wage bill is already believed to be the highest in the Premier League, at over £350million each season, and signing Vlahovic would only increase that by a sizeable amount.