It is safe to say that Chelsea have a lot of things to do this summer. They were only good enough to finish 10th in the Premier League and trophyless last season. That should not be the case after spending north of a billion pounds on the squad, no matter which way you look at it.
Hopefully, by now, there is recognition that they have gotten things wrong. Now, it is about turning it around. Xabi Alonso’s appointment does point to the fact that they are hoping to ensure that.
Out of the numerous positions where Chelsea might need to strengthen, striker is one of them. The lack of goals, especially in the last few months, should be enough to convince them that just Joao Pedro is not enough, no matter how highly he is regarded. The Brazilian’s form does blow hot and cold, and his record in the big games is not worth writing home about.
Chelsea leading race to sign £70m striker for free this summer
Now, according to TuttoJuve, Dusan Vlahovic won’t renew his contract with Juventus. He can leave Turin on a free transfer.
The report goes on to add that Chelsea are currently the club most likely to sign Vlahovic. The Blues see the Juventus striker as someone who can enhance their forward line.
Of course, there is going to be competition to sign Vlahovic. Players of his reputation and in his age bracket do not often end up becoming free agents. Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in the Serbian striker.
Why Dusan Vlahovic could be a great signing
Firstly, let’s not overlook the obvious. Vlahovic looks set to become available as a free agent. And that is the biggest contributing factor here.
Vlahovic was signed by Juventus for around £70 million from Fiorentina. Yes, he was never able to meet expectations in Turin.
There was a time when Vlahovic was compared with Erling Haaland and was believed to be very close to the Norwegian, if not at the same level. If he can meet his potential elsewhere, he’d be a world-class striker.
So, it is an opportunity that clubs should not pass up. Vlahovic is still just 26 years of age. In a different environment, he might develop into the free-scoring striker he was at Fiorentina.
As for Chelsea, it feels like a no-brainer. It would be competition for Pedro. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Nicolas Jackson.
When it comes to Liam Delap, it might already be time to part ways. One Premier League goal in a season is not good enough by Chelsea’s standards.
The same can be said for Marc Guiu, but he has never received much of a chance. The former Barcelona man should be sent out on loan to a club where he will get consistent playing time and then we can make a judgment.
