LONDON, June 26, Chelsea are poised to hand Xabi Alonso a significant attacking boost with the capture of Dusan Vlahovic, with the Juventus striker expected to depart Turin as a free agent this summer following a breakdown in contract negotiations .
The Serbia international, who has scored 136 career goals for club and country, has been identified as a priority target by Alonso as he prepares for his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge . Reports in Italy indicate the 26 year old will leave Juventus when his contract expires at the end of this month, with the club unable to meet his salary demands amid their ongoing financial constraints .
Free transfer appeals as Chelsea seek firepower
Chelsea’s need for attacking reinforcement is acute. The club finished a dismal 10th in the Premier League last season, with their lack of threat in front of goal among the key factors behind their struggles . While Joao Pedro enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with 20 goals across all competitions, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu managed just four goals between them in 54 appearances .
Vlahovic has not quite lived up to expectations since his £66 million switch to Juventus in 2022, yet he has still registered 68 goals in 168 outings for the Turin outfit . At 26, it is reasonable to suggest his peak years lie ahead of him.
The most attractive element of the deal for Chelsea is the financial structure. With no transfer fee required, Alonso will have the flexibility to channel resources towards strengthening other areas of the squad. The Athletic reports that the Spaniard is close to finalising his first signing as Blues manager with Atalanta wing back Marco Palestra, a £43 million deal, while Vlahovic would represent a statement second arrival .
Tactical fit under Alonso
The Premier League has evolved into a more combative competition this season with greater emphasis placed on set pieces, a development that would play to Vlahovic’s strengths as a mobile target man . His 6ft 3in frame, capacity to turn and run at defenders, and instinct for a clinical finish could see Alonso possess the ideal striker for the modern English game .
However, questions persist over Vlahovic’s compatibility with Alonso’s tactical philosophy. The Spanish coach has shown a preference for quick, mobile forwards who can exploit space, a profile that contrasts with Vlahovic’s more traditional centre forward attributes . His form at Juventus has also been inconsistent, with periods of explosive goalscoring interrupted by lengthy droughts .
Chelsea have already taken steps to reshape their striking department, with Emmanuel Emegha due to arrive from Strasbourg this summer . The addition of Vlahovic would complete a significant overhaul and provide Alonso with a proven goalscorer at no transfer cost, even if the wage package required will be substantial .
