Chelsea are expected to bring in an experienced centre-back this summer and one option being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic.
If Chelsea needed any convincing, they only have to watch his performance for Serbia on Tuesday, during a 2-1 comeback win against Saudi Arabia. Pavlovic netted his fifth goal of the season for club and country.
After initially being linked before the January window with Pavlovic, reports have since said that Chelsea are planning a £35m bid for the 54-time Serbia ace. A left-footed powerhouse, starring in Italian football.
Serbia v Saudi Arabia - International Friendly
Photo by Pedja Milosavljevic/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
A player that is in the top four for Italian defenders for duels won, a left-footed option which is a rarity in the modern game and most importantly, both leadership and experience. But clearly, a goal threat, too.
Watch Chelsea target Pavlovic score stunning overhead kick
Days after reports suggested Chelsea had now opened talks for the Serbian ace, Pavlovic started for his country in a friendly against Saudi Arabia. Pavlovic’s side were poor, losing 1-0 at half-time to their rivals.
But Pavlovic changed that. Albeit only a friendly, a looping cross was played into the box as Serbia put huge pressure on the Saudi goal, and Pavlovic leaped into the air before producing an overhead kick.
PROVE ME WRONG: Pavlovic would be the perfect centre-back signing for Chelsea 💥
Left-footed, £35m and scores goals. Perfect.
A moment of genuine amazement, Pavlovic’s bicycle kick had his teammates stunned, with many reacting with their hands on their head. An incredible goal and the catalyst for Serbia to go on and win 2-1.
Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport were full of praise for the Milan defender, a player Milan want to keep, but the lure of the Premier League and Chelsea could well entice him. He earned their best rating, 7.5/10.
“There are serious attackers who do not score two such attractive goals in their entire career, as the Milan stopper did in ten days. This one was in the style of Van Basten, the other day against Gothenburg.
“It came as a well-deserved reward. It’s as if there are two of them [Pavlovic’s] on the field, one constantly in front of the opponent’s goal, threatening from another angle, the other is behind to close the gaps.”
Why Pavlovic’s goal proves he is perfect for Chelsea
It is obvious that Chelsea need a defender. Trevoh Chalobah has been Chelsea’s best centre-back since Liam Rosenior arrived and that probably says everything. Chalobah is a good defender, but not immense.
SEMI-FINAL TWO: Maresca vs Terry!
Chelsea lack leadership, experience, and a John Terry-style centre-back at the back. Pavlovic is that. Not just because he wins duels, helps with transition and leads a defence, but because he is a goal threat.
That’s five goals for club and country this season, having scored a screamer against Torino for Milan prior to the international break. He would not only bolster the defence, but he’d provide a new goal threat.
Chalobah has three, Jorrel Hato has two, Josh Acheampong has two. But Pavlovic has managed five and that is without Milan being in Europe this season. He is an absolute no-brainer for Chelsea this summer.
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