Chelsea 'eye summer deal for Dusan Vlahovic'

Chelsea have reportedly identified Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic as a leading summer transfer target.

The Blues have been huge spenders over the last two transfer windows, but the club are still short of a world-class centre-forward, with Kai Havertz only netting five Premier League goals this term.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has four league goals to his name in 2022-23, but the 33-year-old is widely expected to leave this summer, while Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana remain unproven.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with Napoli's Victor Osimhen, but it remains to be seen whether the runway Serie A leaders are prepared to entertain offers for the Nigerian, while the Blues would also face strong competition from Manchester United for his signature this summer.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are 'desperate' to sign a new striker ahead of the 2023-24 campaign and have now placed Vlahovic on their shortlist.

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Juventus' financial problems could allegedly lead to the Serbia international becoming available this summer, while the Old Lady are facing the prospect of missing out on Champions League football for next term.

The club are currently down in seventh position in the Serie A table, 10 points behind fourth-placed Lazio, although they are still in the Europa League, which provides another avenue to directly qualify for next season's Champions League.

Vlahovic's form at Fiorentina led to Juventus signing him last January, with the 23-year-old scoring 49 goals and registering eight assists in 108 appearances for the former in all competitions.

The Serbian has only managed 19 goals and six assists in 44 matches for the Old Lady, though, including 10 goals and four assists in 23 games this term.

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Arsenal were heavily linked with Vlahovic during his time at Fiorentina, although it is unclear whether the Gunners are still interested in his signature.

Even if Juventus reluctantly agree to a sale in the upcoming market, the forward would still cost huge money, as he has a contract in Turin until June 2026.

Chelsea will have Romelu Lukaku back at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, with the Belgium international currently on loan at Inter Milan.

However, the Italian giants are working on a permanent return for the forward, while a recent report claimed that Real Madrid were considering moving for him this summer.

Chelsea will be bidding to end a run of three straight defeats in all competitions when they welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge in the league on Saturday.