Chelsea have initiated discussions with the father of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as they monitor the soon-to-be free agent, according to reports in Italy. The Blues are gearing up to reinforce multiple positions ahead of new manager Xabi Alonso's arrival in July.
Striker Search Intensifies
Chelsea are keen to sign a new striker after Liam Delap endured a disappointing campaign and Joao Pedro has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. Nicolas Jackson is returning from his loan spell at Bayern Munich, but Chelsea are willing to offload the Senegal international, who was deemed surplus to requirements last summer.
Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Chelsea are among several clubs that have contacted Milos Vlahovic, Dusan's father and agent, to discuss a potential move. The 26-year-old Serbia international has spent the last five seasons at Juventus, who paid £66 million to sign him from Fiorentina in 2021.
Vlahovic's contract in Turin expires at the end of the month. While he is interested in extending his stay, other clubs are circling. It is claimed that Milos will hold one final 'do-or-die' meeting with Juventus chiefs to try to secure a new deal. However, he is keeping his options open and has already held talks with Chelsea, Newcastle United, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
Juventus are keen to keep Vlahovic, who has been heavily linked with Manchester United in recent years, but there is a disparity in salary expectations. As a result, there is said to be 'pessimism' surrounding the deal, with Juventus even targeting Randal Kolo Muani as a potential replacement. Whether Vlahovic would be willing to join Chelsea or Newcastle remains to be seen, as neither club qualified for next season's Champions League.
Goalkeeper Interest Revived
Meanwhile, Chelsea have reportedly revived their interest in former transfer target Mike Maignan as they consider signing a new goalkeeper this summer. Robert Sanchez endured another inconsistent season at Stamford Bridge, and a number of pundits, including England legend Paul Scholes, have urged Alonso to sign a replacement.
Chelsea came close to signing Maignan last summer in a deal worth £25 million, but the France international ended up staying at AC Milan. Reports in Italy claim Maignan is once again eyeing a move away from Milan following a frustrating season for the Italian giants. However, at this stage, Chelsea have yet to turn their interest into an official approach and may wait until Alonso officially takes over to make a decision on the goalkeeper situation.
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf was keen to see 'exceptional' Maignan arrive at Stamford Bridge last summer. 'Magic Mike is his nickname because he's so exceptional,' Leboeuf told ESPN FC. 'If they decide to go for Mike, that's a very good decision because the guy is a really good goalkeeper. I know him, I appreciate him, and I think he will be very useful to Chelsea.'
