Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Mail Sport reported how Christopher Nkunku has grown frustrated at his lack of game time and that he could be offloaded to Bayern Munich, so the Blues are eyeing replacements.
Vlahovic joined Juventus from Fiorentina for £62million in January 2022 and he has since scored 53 goals in 125 games.
He reportedly earns just short of £10m per season and Juventus, fifth in Serie A, are eager to reduce their wage bill.
The Times reports that Chelsea are considering a bid for him while they talk about sending defender Gabri Veiga in the opposite direction.
Veiga joined Chelsea from Basel for £12m over the summer but has only made one league appearance.
Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Juventus’ main striker Dusan Vlahovic
That is because Christoper Nkunku could return to germany after growing frustrated with his lack of game time
Vlahovic joined Juventus for £62million in 2022 but his contract expires in 18 months
Juventus want him as a stand-in for Gleison Bremer, who is out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and The Times claims Chelsea want around £29m for him.
Signing Vlahovic would certainly be a statement of intent from Chelsea but offloading Nkunku would mark a sad ending to the highly rated Frenchman’s time in English football.
Nkunku was signed from RB Leipzig for £52m in 2023 and is currently tied down to a deal that lasts until 2029.
He could now be set for a return to the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich if they are willing to stump up in excess of £60m as Chelsea would like.
Vlahovic’s record in front of goal is in little doubt but he has been perceived as contributing in a limited capacity beyond his goals, similar to Erling Haaland.
He has scored 12 goals in 24 games rthis season and is nicely poised to beat last season’s tally of 18 strikes.
The Serbian only has 18 months left on his deal and Juventus would seemingly rather cash in on one of their prized assets than lose him for free in the summer of 2026.
Part of the reason for his potential offloading is that he is not seen to fit manager Thiago Motta’s playing style.
Juventus are said to be interested in signing Renato Veiga, who has only played one league game for the Blues
Vlahovic reportedly earns almost £10m per year and Juventus are not willing to match that pay in a new deal, though they do want to hand him a longer contract, as per la Repubblica.
Earlier this season he got into a conflict with one section of the Juventus fan base when they insulted him after a 2-2 home draw with Venezia and he reacted angrily.
However, he made an effort to calm the tensions, writing on Instagram: ‘I understand the frustration for the latest results, and you have all the rights to express it.
‘I’ve always respected you by giving my all for the shirt, and I thank you for the support you support us daily. Now it’s important to stick together to support the team and start again, united.’
The Serbian international has had interest from the Premier League before, having been linked with Arsenal. TalkSPORT recently claimed that Juventus had offered him to Manchester United in a swap deal for Joshua Zirkzee.