Chelsea’s striker crisis has been laid bare this season, and the Blues are wasting no time addressing it. With their current options misfiring or sidelined, the club is reportedly in advanced talks to sign Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, a €80 million-rated forward who’s itching for a Premier League move. This could be the blockbuster signing Chelsea fans have been craving.
The lack of a clinical number 9 has been a glaring issue for Enzo Maresca’s side. Joao Pedro, while talented, thrives in a supporting role rather than as the focal point of the attack. Liam Delap, a summer signing, has struggled to make an impact, managing just one goal in nine appearances before an injury ruled him out for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Marc Guiu, recently recalled from his loan at Sunderland, seems far from Maresca’s trusted circle, with natural winger Tyrique George even getting minutes up top ahead of the young Spaniard.
The situation is far from ideal, and Chelsea’s attacking woes have sparked urgency in the transfer market. A proven goalscorer is no longer just a want—it’s a need.
Enter Dusan Vlahovic, the Serbian striker who once drew comparisons to Erling Haaland. According to TBR Football, Vlahovic has instructed his representatives to explore Premier League options, with Chelsea and Tottenham already approached by intermediaries. The 25-year-old’s contract with Juventus expires in 2026, meaning he could be available on a pre-contract in January or as a free agent next summer. However, Chelsea’s interest suggests they’re not willing to wait that long.
Graeme Bailey of TBR Football noted, “Once again, his people are touching base with potential landing spots—Chelsea and Tottenham have been spoken to by intermediaries. Much will depend on whether he wants a ‘pay day’—he won’t get that in England.” For Chelsea, this could be a golden opportunity to secure a high-caliber striker at a potentially reduced cost.
Vlahovic burst onto the scene at Fiorentina, where his lethal finishing and physical presence earned him a €80 million move to Juventus in 2022. At the time, he was seen as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, with pundits predicting he could rival Haaland’s goalscoring exploits. While he hasn’t quite hit those heights in Turin, his record of 62 goals and 15 assists in just over three years at Juventus is nothing to scoff at.
Adapting to Juventus’ tactical setup has been a challenge, but Vlahovic’s raw talent remains undeniable. His aerial dominance, sharp movement, and knack for spectacular goals make him a tantalizing prospect for Chelsea. A change of scenery—perhaps in Maresca’s dynamic system—could be just what he needs to rediscover his Fiorentina form.
With Vlahovic’s contract ticking down, Juventus may be forced to sell in January to avoid losing him for free. Chelsea, who have already been linked with Bologna’s Santiago Castro, seem ready to pounce on this opportunity. Signing a player of Vlahovic’s pedigree for a potentially cut-price fee would be a statement of intent from the Blues, who are desperate to climb the Premier League table.
The Serbian’s hunger for a Premier League move could also play into Chelsea’s hands. At 25, he’s entering his prime and has the physicality and flair to thrive in England’s top flight. If Maresca can unlock his potential, Vlahovic could be the missing piece in Chelsea’s attacking puzzle.
Chelsea’s striker situation demands action, and Vlahovic represents a chance to land a proven goalscorer with untapped potential. While his time at Juventus hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations set during his Fiorentina days, his goal tally and skill set suggest he’s far from a lost cause. A move to Stamford Bridge could reignite his career and give Chelsea the cutting edge they’ve lacked.
As talks progress, Chelsea fans will be hoping their club can seal the deal for the €80 million hitman. If the Blues play their cards right, Vlahovic could be leading their line sooner rather than later, ready to fire them toward Premier League glory.