Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Dusan Vlahovic are two strikers who are being linked with moves to Chelsea right now.
Vlahovic could end up costing Chelsea nothing, as his contract at the Allianz Stadium expires in the summer.
However, Chelsea could be forced to pay €100m for Alvarez, which is roughly £87m today.
How much would you be happy to pay for Julian Alvarez?🤔
Atletico Madrid set Julian Alvarez price tag
Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
It is a huge fee, yet it still probably makes more sense for the Blues to do that deal than sign Vlahovic if they have to pick between the two.
Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus seen in action during the UEFA
Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Julian Alvarez’s Premier League experience and injury record
It has been claimed that Chelsea have already enquired about signing Vlahovic, who will be a very attractive proposition on a free transfer. But the Serbian does not have Alvarez’s Premier League experience.
Alvarez has spent two seasons in English football’s top flight, making 67 appearances and scoring 20 goals. The former Manchester City star will not need time to adapt to the division if he joins Chelsea.
That is not the only thing he has on Vlahovic, though. Alvarez has a much better injury record.
Vlahovic’s at Juventus is actually quite horrendous. This season, he has already missed 16 games because of an adductor injury.
In contrast, Alvarez has managed to stay fit throughout his career so far, which has enabled him to play regularly and score goals. He found the back of the net on 29 occasions last term, making him one of the most prolific centre-forwards in Europe.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Galatasaray SK and Atletico de Madrid
Photo by BSR Agency/Getty Images
Chelsea fans pick Julian Alvarez over Dusan Vlahovic
A few Chelsea supporters have already had their say on whether they would prefer Alvarez or Vlahovic.
The Chelsea Chronicle recently asked fans on TalkingPoints what deal would they do: Alvarez for big money or Vlahovic for nothing? They went with the former, and you can also have your say by commenting below!
What deal are you doing? 🤔
Julian Alvarez for £87m OR Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer?
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez running and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic warming up
Credit: Yagiz Gurtug/NurPhoto/Aitor Alcalde via Getty Images
However, signing Alvarez will not be straightforward and not just because of his price tag.
It is thought that Alvarez’s preference is to join Barcelona, which is a potential complication for Chelsea.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox