Ben Jacobs is reporting that Dusan Vlahovic signing for Chelsea from Juventus is ‘one to watch’ ahead of the summer as he is ‘not happy’ in Italy.
Vlahovic was targeted by Arsenal at the start of 2022 but he ended up signing for Juventus. He earned a move elsewhere after scoring 17 goals in 21 Serie A outings for Fiorentina in 2021/22.
The 23-year-old has netted 16 goals in 37 outings for the Italian giants but recent reports have indicated that he is open to a move elsewhere. This follows Juventus being deducted 15 points for capital gains violations.
It has been reported that Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United are among the clubs that have been ‘offered’ the Serbia international.
Chelsea have also been linked with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. His contract is due to expire in 2024.
Jacobs is reporting that the Portugal star is not a ‘priority’ for the Blues at the moment.
‘I don’t think Rafael Leao is necessarily a priority for Chelsea at this point,’ Jacobs wrote for Caught Offside.
‘I think it’s very possible, come the summer, depending on outgoings, that they move for another forward, but the challenge with Leao is two-fold: firstly, the price was too high over the summer and Chelsea had no desire to pay.
‘Secondly, there’s always been these talks between Milan and Leao ongoing, and if a new deal is signed it changes the complexion things. So, Chelsea haven’t been able to progress on that one.’
While Leao is not necessarily on the agenda, according to Jacobs, Vlahovic is ‘one to watch’ for Chelsea.
‘A final thing on Leao specifically – there are also plenty of other targets they’re looking at,’ Jacobs added.
‘If, say, there were was an exit for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz or perhaps even Raheem Sterling (though I think he’s still someone with a role to play) then there could be room for another signing on top of Christopher Nkunku’s arrival.
‘I wouldn’t rule out a move for someone like Dusan Vlahovic over Rafa Leao – there’s a real opportunity, I’ve been told many times, that there could be an chance for him to move, more likely in the summer than (as I said back in December) in this window.
‘Even though he’s scoring goals in Serie A, Vlahovic is not as happy at Juventus as he was at Fiorentina, and I think his head has been turned by Premier League interest.
‘That’s one to watch in the summer, and Chelsea are one of the clubs that really like the player.
‘So I don’t think the Leao rumours have anything particularly concrete at this stage, I think come the summer the type of forward Chelsea are looking for will be a bit different after they’ve brought in a lot of versatile, creative forwards.
‘We’ll also see if they find a way to sign Joao Felix after his loan as well, that could be another opportunity they’ll want to consider.’
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