Chelsea is reportedly keen on acquiring Dusan Vlahovic as a free agent this summer, having made significant progress in the competition to secure the Juventus striker's services.

Vlahovic's Departure from Juventus

The Serbian international will be leaving Juventus at the end of his contract this summer, a decision confirmed by the Serie A club on Wednesday. Vlahovic joined Juventus in January 2022 for €70 million, following an impressive spell at Fiorentina where he netted 38 goals in just over one season. Since his arrival at Juventus, he has continued to find the net, scoring 68 goals in 168 appearances, making him an appealing option for clubs looking to bolster their attacking line.

Competition for Vlahovic

While Chelsea appears to be in a strong position, they are not the only club interested in Vlahovic. Reports indicate that several English clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Everton, have engaged with Vlahovic's representatives regarding his future. However, Chelsea is reportedly the furthest along in negotiations, having maintained contact with the striker’s camp throughout his time in Italy.

As Chelsea seeks a new No.9, Vlahovic's availability on a free transfer aligns well with their needs. The club's longstanding admiration for the 26-year-old has placed him firmly on their radar as they look to make a serious move.

Wage Demands and European Preference

Negotiations for a contract extension with Juventus fell through, largely due to Vlahovic's wage demands. Juventus director of football Giorgio Chiellini noted that the striker was seeking a salary of €8 million per year, along with a signing-on fee of an additional €8 million. While there is interest from the Saudi Pro League, Vlahovic reportedly prefers to remain in Europe, with Chelsea being well-positioned to capitalize on his free agency. Atletico Madrid is also noted as a club showing strong interest in the forward.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea's pursuit of Vlahovic could intensify, potentially leading to a significant addition to their squad.