CHELSEA are reportedly interested in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The Blues are set to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table for the first time since 1996, despite spending almost £600million on 16 new players over the past year.
Todd Boehly has welcomed five defenders, four midfielders and six attackers to Stamford Bridge since he took over as Chairman last May, but he is yet to add a first team-ready out-and-out striker to his ranks.
Romelu Lukaku – who was signed for £97.5million August 2021 – is currently on loan at Inter Milan, but he could leave the club on a permanent basis before the 2023-24 campaign kicks off.
So Chelsea officials are now on the hunt for a new No.9.
According to football journalist Julien Laurens, the Blues are keen on the prospect of signing Vlahovic from Juventus.
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And ESPN claim that they have already made a £70million offer for the striker.
Vlahovic joined Juventus in a £62m transfer from Fiorentina in January last year, but he struggled to find his form.
And Chelsea fans have admitted that they would rather keep Lukaku at Stamford Bridge than sign the Serbia international.
One person tweeted: “Is Vlahovic even really much of an upgrade on Lukaku?”
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Another added: “Vlahovic has flop written all over it, not even scored that many this season either. I’d rather give Lukaku another go until we can go for Toney when his ban is up.”
While a third wrote: “This guy gives me washed up Higuain vibes, offer 80m for Harry Kane and move on.”
Chelsea are also understood to be interested in signing Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to become the club’s new manager this summer, is a known admirer of the Argentina international.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is another name on the transfer wishlist, although Chelsea face competition from Manchester United for his signature.
The Blues could let go of several first team players this summer in order to make way for more signings.
Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all been linked with a move away, as well as Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
