Chelsea Make Contact With Dusan Vlahovic’s Representatives as Victor Osimhen Price Tag Proves Prohibitive

Chelsea are understood to have made their first move in the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic, with the club’s hierarchy reportedly establishing initial contact with the Serbian striker’s representatives ahead of what is expected to be a competitive summer transfer window under incoming manager Xabi Alonso.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea’s decision to pursue Vlahovic has been accelerated by the collapse of the Juventus forward’s contract negotiations with the Turin club. Having joined Juventus in January 2022 for a fee of €70 million, Vlahovic is now on course to depart as a free agent — a factor that significantly strengthens Chelsea’s position given the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Vlahovic’s record at Juventus, 68 goals in 168 appearances, combined with his availability on a zero transfer fee and his established experience in European football, makes him a financially and strategically viable target for a club that must operate carefully within financial fair play constraints.

The 26-year-old Serbian international’s emergence as a primary target follows Chelsea stepping back from a prolonged pursuit of Victor Osimhen. The Nigeria international, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli last season and impressed in the Turkish top flight, had been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. However, according to reports, Galatasaray are demanding in excess of €150 million for the striker — a figure that Chelsea’s board deemed untenable.

With Liam Delap widely expected to leave the club this summer after a difficult debut campaign in west London failed to meet expectations, the need for a recognised centre-forward to lead Alonso’s attack has become a priority. João Pedro currently represents the only other senior striking option at the club.

Xabi Alonso, who takes charge of Chelsea following his departure from Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the club to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season, is reportedly determined to add a reliable goalscorer before the new campaign begins. The Spaniard’s preferred tactical systems have historically demanded a focal point in attack, making the search for a number nine one of the most pressing items on the club’s summer agenda.

Vlahovic, who has also represented Serbia at international level with 33 caps and 20 goals to his name, would arrive at Chelsea with considerable top-flight experience across Serie A and European competition. His move away from Turin would mark the end of a stint at Juventus that, despite its turbulence, produced consistent individual output even during periods of collective underperformance for the Italian club.

No formal bid has been reported at this stage, and discussions are understood to remain at an early phase. Chelsea face potential competition from other European clubs who are also monitoring Vlahovic’s contractual situation, with his free agent status likely to attract interest from across the continent as the window progresses.