Man United and Chelsea locked in transfer battle for striker likened to Robert Lewandowksi
Manchester United and Chelsea have both had rocky starts to the new Premier League season, winning two of their opening matches.
Man United beat Chelsea 2-1 last Saturday to secure Ruben Amorim’s second win of the new Premier League season.
Amorim has been on the hot seat at Man United, but the win over Chelsea gifted the Portuguese head coach some time to turn things around.
Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca is under criticism at Chelsea himself as dressing room tensions rise following their recent blip in form.
Man United and Chelsea eyeing January transfer for Dusan Vlahovic
One of the major hurdles Maresca has had to overcome this season is Chelsea’s lack of striker options, despite their huge squad.
An injury to Liam Delap and the departure of Nicolas Jackson has left the Blues light upfront, but Gazzetta dello Sport have reported they may be handed a lifeline to that problem.
The Italian newspaper has reported that Chelsea and Man United are both interested in a move for Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.
Vlahovic has scored four goals in five games this season but is on an unmanageable wage at Juventus, reportedly.
The Serbian is out of contract in the summer, although Juventus want to sell the 25-year-old, so it is likely Chelsea or Man United could afford Vlahovic for a cut price in January.
Vlahovic likened to Robert Lewandowksi
Vlahovic is a tall and powerful number nine who would provide both Chelsea and United with a similar profile to their current first-choice striker options.
The Serbian was once compared to legendary Polish striker Robert Lewandowski by Bayern Munich icon Frank Ribery.
| Dusan Vlahovic’s goals record | Goals | Assists |
| 2021-22 | 24 | 3 |
| 2022-23 | 10 | 2 |
| 2023-24 | 16 | 4 |
| 2024-25 | 10 | 4 |
| 2025-26 | 2 | 0 |
On comparisons to Lewandowski, Ribery said: “Surely strength and mentality.
“Like all champions he is a hard worker and never gives up. He must continue to train like this with the idea of improving every day.
“Dusan is young but has great means: he must get used to the pressures of Juventus, a top club where you have to win every match.”
Chelsea and Man United both opted for young developing strikers this summer, but their heads may be turned at the thought of a cut-price deal for an experienced European marksman.