Chelsea consider move for 53goals striker after Arsenal pass up transfer
Reports suggest that Chelsea are considering a transfer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The 24-year-old, after his £66 million transfer from Fiorentina three years ago, has netted 53 goals in 125 appearances for Juve.
The Times reports that Juventus are aiming to lower their salary expenses and might consider selling Vlahovic prior to the conclusion of the January transfer window.
The report adds that Chelsea are in the market to sign a new striker as they are looking to sell Christopher Nkunku for £65m. The French forward, who has started just three games in the Premier League this season, is wanted by Bayern Munich but the German club do not agree with Chelsea’s valuation.
Chelsea have already held advanced talks with Juve this month over a deal for Renato Veiga, who is also wanted by Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea are open to selling Veiga permanently if they secure a £29m transfer fee, which would represent a significant profit on the £12m they paid to sign him from FC Basel last summer.
Meanwhile, Vlahovic was wanted by Arsenal before his move to Juve in January 2022 but it is believed that the Gunners have not revived their interest in the Serbia international this month, despite their desire to sign a new attacking player.
Vlahovic is Juve’s top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions this season but question marks have been raised over his future after two incidents in recent months.
Vlahovic also appeared to take aim at Juve’s head coach, Thiago Motta, in November by suggesting that he performs better in his role for Serbia’s national side because he is given less defensive responsibility.
‘Coach Stojkovic hasn’t obliged me to do many defensive tasks. And for a player like me, with my build… honestly, I can’t run that much. Because then I’m not fresh for finishing,’ Vlahovic said.
While last month, Vlahovic was involved in a row with a section of Juve supporters following a 2-2 draw at home to relegation-threatened Venezia.