Chelsea will need to be smart in this summer transfer window. The need to improve the squad is quite clear. But at the same time, one has to recognise that the Blues might not have a lot of budget to work with. The club have failed to qualify for the Champions League for the third time in the four years since the BlueCo takeover. They have not had a long-term front-of-shirt sponsor in that time either.
Then there is the UEFA fine they were handed last year. The club continue to be monitored and have to remain within certain boundaries. On top of everything else, they posted record losses not too long ago.
So, it might not be a bad idea for Chelsea to try and sign some free agents this summer. In fact, it looks like they have already put forward an offer to one of the most highly-rated ones who could become available soon.
As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, Luciano Spalletti’s priority remains Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expires at the end of the month. The striker’s father, Milos, in the meantime, has listened to offers from Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Newcastle United. A final summit is expected. Juventus cannot and will not go beyond a certain figure.
Chelsea have put in offer for Dusan Vlahovic
So, it looks like Chelsea have already put in an offer to Vlahovic’s camp. But so have other top clubs like Barca, Bayern Munich and Newcastle United.
Giorgio Chiellini’s comments earlier in the week had suggested that Vlahovic was almost certain to leave. But now, it looks like there is still a possibility that he could stay on at Juventus.
The chances of that happening do not seem great though. Of course, that might depend on the other offers that his camp has received so far.
If they are not as good as the one Juve are willing to put on the table, then there is a genuine possibility that Vlahovic could make a U-turn and remain in Turin.
Would Vlahovic be a good signing?
It is easy to forget but at one point in time, Vlahovic was viewed as being on the same level as Erling Haaland. He was tremendous at Fiorentina and it convinced Juventus to shell out around £70 million to sign him.
Vlahovic has never met those expectations at Juventus. He has remained a part of plans there but his goal ratio has not been nearly as impressive as it was hoped.
Overall, Vlahovic has scored 68 goals in 168 games for Juventus so far. A steady return but not that of a world-class striker.
So, it could be time for a change of scenery for Vlahovic. He has all the attributes required to be a top striker. Any move from Chelsea would depend on the futures of Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.
