The summer transfer window is already casting a long shadow over the Premier League, and for Chelsea, the upcoming months feel like a critical turning point. It is no secret that the club is expected to be incredibly active once again, but there is one specific role that stands out as an absolute priority.
The Blues are in desperate need of a traditional number nine a powerhouse center-forward who can lead the line with the same authority seen in the club’s most successful eras. While some players have shown flashes of brilliance, the search for a truly dominant goal-scorer continues to dominate the headlines at Stamford Bridge.
Since Liam Rosenior took over the managerial reins, Joao Pedro has been a revelation. His form has been nothing short of spectacular, netting five goals and providing an assist in just seven games under the new leadership. He has won over the fans with an incredible work rate and technical skill, with some supporters even comparing his evolving hold-up play to that of the legendary Didier Drogba.
However, Joao Pedro is the type of forward who often likes to drop deep to link play. In contrast, Liam Delap was brought in to be that “typical” striker, yet his journey since moving from Ipswich for £30 million has been difficult. Delap has struggled to replicate his previous form, leading to questions about his confidence and his ability to settle into the high-pressure environment of West London.
Despite having several options like Marc Guiu and the impending arrival of Emmanuel Emegha, there is a sense that Chelsea is still missing that elite, world-class focal point. Over the years, the club’s identity has been built around iconic strikers like Diego Costa, Fernando Torres, and Romelu Lukaku. To return to the top of European football, many believe the club must land a big-name finisher this summer. This search has led them back to a familiar name in European football: Dusan Vlahovic.
According to the latest reports, Chelsea has officially opened talks regarding a potential move for the Juventus and Serbia star. Vlahovic is currently one of the most talked-about players in Italy, but his situation in Turin is reaching a crossroads.
He is currently playing on a massive contract worth roughly £200,000 a week, and his current deal is set to expire at the end of the season. Negotiations for a new contract have stalled, and it is looking increasingly likely that the Serbian goal machine will be available as a free agent this summer.
Chelsea is not alone in their interest, however. Newcastle United has also made formal enquiries about Vlahovic’s availability. Both clubs are well aware that while Italian sides like AC Milan are keen on the striker, his wage demands are likely too high for the current financial climate in Serie A.
The Premier League, with its superior financial muscle, is seen as the most logical destination for a player of his stature. For Newcastle, adding Vlahovic would be a massive statement of intent, but for Chelsea, it would be the culmination of a pursuit that has lasted several years.
The history between Chelsea and Vlahovic is quite extensive. The club has been linked with him across multiple managerial eras, including a period under Mauricio Pochettino where they reportedly weighed up a massive £69 million bid.
More recently, during the January window, there were murmurs that he could have been available for a cut-price fee of £20 million, but no deal was finalized. If he were to join now on a free transfer, it would represent a remarkable piece of business for a player who was once valued at nearly £70 million.
Of course, a move for Vlahovic is not without its risks. The Premier League is littered with examples of high-scoring strikers from other leagues who struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of English football. Some fans have voiced their preference for “Premier League proven” options like Julian Alvarez or Jean-Philippe Mateta, who are both rumored to be available in 2026. There is always a fear that a player who excels in Italy might not find the same rhythm in London.
Regardless of the potential pitfalls, the opportunity to sign a powerhouse like Vlahovic without paying a transfer fee is a rarity that Chelsea’s board likely finds impossible to ignore. With the club facing pressure regarding financial regulations and the need to balance the books, landing a marquee signing on a free transfer would be a “blessing in disguise.”
As it stands, Vlahovic is expected to remain with Juventus until the conclusion of the current campaign. If no new deal is signed, the race to secure his signature will undoubtedly be one of the biggest stories of the summer. Whether he ends up wearing the blue of Chelsea or the black and white of Newcastle, his arrival in England would shake up the top end of the table and finally give one of these clubs the elite number nine they have been craving.
| Striker Profile | Playing Style | Current Status |
| Joao Pedro | Creative, drops deep, technical | In-form starter |
| Liam Delap | Physical, traditional #9 | Struggling for form |
| Dusan Vlahovic | Powerhouse, elite finisher | Contract expiring June 2026 |
| Julian Alvarez | Mobile, versatile, high press | Potential 2026 target |
Would you like me to look into Dusan Vlahovic’s recent injury history at Juventus to see how it might impact his suitability for the high-intensity Premier League?
