Chelsea are ready to make another change to their attack. Just one year after signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, the club has identified Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as their top summer target.
Chelsea Make Dusan Vlahovic Their Top Striker Target for Summer Window
Delap joined Chelsea in 2025 on a contract until 2031 after scoring 12 Premier League goals. But the 22-year-old has struggled to make a consistent impact at Stamford Bridge, managing only three goals in 47 appearances.
With Xabi Alonso preparing for his first full season in charge, the Blues want a more reliable goalscorer to lead the line.
Vlahovic became a free agent on 30 June after his contract with Juventus expired. That makes him an attractive option for Chelsea, who have spent heavily in recent years and now need smarter recruitment.
The Serbian striker has scored 68 goals in 168 matches for Juventus and 117 times in 276 appearances across his career in Italy. At 26, he still has his best years ahead of him.
Chelsea have other names on their radar. Ollie Watkins remains a Premier League-proven option, but Aston Villa value him at around £60 million and do not want to sell.
Victor Osimhen is the superstar alternative, though any deal would be financially complicated. Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Inter’s Francesco Pio Esposito are also under consideration.
Vlahovic offers the physical presence Chelsea have often lacked in the penalty area. However, signing him on a free transfer does not mean he comes cheap. He will demand significant wages and a large signing-on bonus.
Chelsea must ensure Vlahovic fits Alonso’s tactical system before committing. If he can lead the line effectively and convert chances regularly, this could be one of the smartest moves of the summer.
But if they sign him simply because he is available, it could become another expensive mistake.
