Report: Chelsea set to battle Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Serie A forward | OneFootball

Chelsea set sights on signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as summer plans gather pace

Chelsea’s recruitment strategy continues to lean towards market opportunity rather than market noise, and the latest report from Football Insider points firmly in that direction. According to their transfer coverage, the Blues have joined Newcastle in monitoring Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract situation at Juventus is attracting serious attention ahead of the summer window.

At 26, Vlahovic sits squarely in what recruiters like to call the sweet spot, proven at elite level, physically mature, and still with resale value. Chelsea’s interest, as revealed by Pete O’Rourke, reflects a club keen to add reliability in front of goal rather than another developmental gamble.

Contract expiry creates rare market opportunity

Football Insider report that Vlahovic is approaching the final months of his Juventus deal, opening the door to a free transfer. That context matters. As stated in the article, “There’ll be a number of clubs who’ll be looking at Vlahovic’s situation at Juventus.”

This is not speculative chatter. The striker’s output, 64 goals in 164 games across four seasons in Turin, underlines his consistency in Serie A. Eight goals in 20 appearances this season suggests there is still plenty in the tank, even within a Juventus side that has rarely played to his strengths.

The same report adds, “It does seem as if he is running down his contract in Turin, and will want a new challenge.” That line alone explains why clubs across Europe are circling.

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Chelsea striker situation under scrutiny

Chelsea’s forward line remains a work in progress under current manager Liam Rosenior. The arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap last summer were intended to spark competition, yet neither has delivered sustained form. As Football Insider note, “Chelsea signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to compete for minutes up front last summer, but neither striker has shone consistently so far this term.”

In that context, Vlahovic represents stability. He would arrive as a ready made Premier League level striker, capable of leading the line and converting chances that have too often gone begging.

Premier League rivals circling Vlahovic

Chelsea are far from alone. Newcastle are named as serious contenders, while Tottenham have also been linked previously. Italy remains an option too, with AC Milan keen to keep him in Serie A.

O’Rourke summed it up succinctly, “Anybody who’s needing a striker in the summer transfer window… Vlahovic will be high up on those lists because he has been a proven goalscorer for Juventus over the years.”

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From a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, this report feels encouraging rather than fanciful. There is a clear logic to targeting a striker like Vlahovic, especially on a free transfer. For years, fans have asked for a forward who combines physical presence with genuine end product, and the Serbian fits that description.

Under Liam Rosenior, Chelsea are trying to become more structured in possession and more decisive in the final third. Too often this season, promising build up has ended without conviction in the box. Vlahovic would change that dynamic immediately. His movement between centre backs and his willingness to shoot early are qualities Chelsea currently lack.

There is also something refreshing about the age profile. At 26, he is not a project, nor is he a short term fix. He would arrive hungry, experienced, and motivated by a new league challenge. Fans will rightly be cautious, given past striker struggles at Stamford Bridge, but this feels different.

If Chelsea can move decisively and avoid a bidding war with Newcastle or Spurs, this could be one of the smarter bits of business in the Premier League this summer. The opportunity is there, the need is obvious, and the timing feels right.