Chelsea are expected to be busy come the summer transfer window once again and surely a priority will be the need to bring in a proper no.9, a powerhouse centre-forward.
Joao Pedro has been excellent since Liam Rosenior arrived as manager, scoring five goals and laying on an assist in seven appearances under the new gaffer. But Liam Delap has struggled in a Chelsea shirt.
Ever since his £30m arrival from Ipswich, Delap has failed to reproduce the form he showed last season. Indeed, Rosenior was even forced to respond to a reporter who questioned if Delap lost his confidence.
Has Joao Pedro been Chelsea’s BEST player under Rosenior? 🔥
Even with a small injury…
Pedro is the kind of striker who can drop deep, while Delap is that typical no.9 but has failed to find his feet at Chelsea. Emmanuel Emegha will join, but Chelsea surely pursue a big-name striker this summer.
Chelsea enquire to sign Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic
Over the years, Chelsea have been famed for having a high-profile, big powerhouse of a striker. Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Diego Costa, Romelu Lukaku, and many more. That’s what Chelsea lack now.
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic before Champions League game
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
But they could change that in the summer. According to a report from CalcioMercato, Chelsea have now opened talks over a possible move to land Juventus and Serbia goal machine Dusan Vlahovic on a free.
Vlahovic, who earns a huge £200,000 a week in Turin, is out of contract at the end of the season, and the report states a new deal is unlikely. Milan are interested, but Vlahovic’s wages are likely to be too big.
A move to England, where his wages are deemed more affordable, is foreseeable. CM say that Chelsea and Newcastle have both made enquiries to land Vlahovic in the summer window, on a free transfer.
Chelsea once made a massive bid to sign Dusan Vlahovic
The Blues have been linked with Vlahovic for years. Ahead of the January window, Chelsea were offered the chance to land the Serbian for just £20m, but nothing materialised with Vlahovic still at Juventus.
Julian Alvarez, Dusan Vlahovic and Jean Philippe-Mateta could all be available in 2026. Who would you like to see Chelsea sign?
Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu did not convince at all in the 0-0 draw with Bournemouth
Julian Alvarez playing for Atletico Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
If he doesn’t sign a new deal, and as things stand, Vlahovic will remain with the Old Lady until the end of the season before leaving on a free. Remarkable, given ESPN say Chelsea once bid £69m for the striker.
Chelsea came close to landing Vlahovic during Mauricio Pochettino’s era and now it seems there is a chance that the London club finally get their man. Not many will have seen him joining on a free, though.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox