Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'yet to bid for Dusan Vlahovic due to wage concerns'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 19 July 2023

Chelsea are yet to make an official offer for Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic due to their concerns over his wages, according to a report.

Chelsea are reportedly yet to make an official offer for Dusan Vlahovic due to their concerns over the wages that the Juventus forward is expected to command.

The 23-year-old's form for Fiorentina saw him linked with many of the biggest clubs in world football, and it was Juventus that won the race for his signature in January 2022.

Vlahovic has largely found it difficult to show his best form for the Old Lady, though, only managing 23 goals and six assists in 63 appearances in all competitions.

The Serbia international's future has been the subject of much speculation this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain believed to have identified him as a leading target.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are also keen, with the Blues internally discussing a possible move for the centre-forward during the summer transfer window.

Juventus' Adrien Rabiot celebrates scoring their first goal with Juan Cuadrado, Alex Sandro and Dusan Vlahovic on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

However, the report claims that Vlahovic's salary is a huge problem, as the London giants are currently in the process of restructuring their wage tiers.

Juventus are believed to value the striker in the region of £77m, and the Italian outfit are not interested in allowing him to leave on loan despite recent rumours.

PSG's finances has placed them in a strong position to sign Vlahovic, while the French giants can offer Champions League football for next season, which is not the case at Chelsea following their disastrous 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli has confirmed that his club would listen to "huge proposals" for the Serbian this summer due to their financial position.

Dusan Vlahovic in action for Juventus on October 21, 2022 © Reuters

"Vlahovic? It's not a secret that we have to clarify our balance/accounts - so we have to consider huge proposals. It's important to clarify that we trust Dušan and he's part of our project," Guintoli told reporters.

Chelsea have already boosted their attack in the current window with the arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson from RB Leipzig and Villarreal respectively.

However, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount are among those to have moved on, and the Blues are expected to sign at least one more forward.

Romelu Lukaku, as it stands, will begin next season at Chelsea, but the Belgian is being heavily linked with a move away from the club once again.

Inter Milan are believed to have pulled out of discussions to re-sign Lukaku, but Juventus and a number of clubs from Saudi Arabia are said to be interested in his services.