Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly prioritizing the signing of Dusan Vlahovic as the club assesses the future of current striker Liam Delap, according to CaughtOffside. The potential move comes after Delap, who arrived at Stamford Bridge for £30 million last summer, has struggled to make a significant impact, scoring just three goals in 47 appearances.
Delap’s move to Chelsea followed a successful season with Ipswich Town where he netted 12 goals in 37 games, but the step up to a ‘Big Six’ club proved challenging. Reports from June 24th indicated that the club had already placed Delap on the transfer list, attracting interest from Everton and Newcastle United. While the 23-year-old has expressed a desire to remain at Chelsea, his position may be untenable if a suitable offer materializes.
Vlahovic, currently a free agent after his contract with Juventus expired, has emerged as Alonso’s preferred option to bolster Chelsea’s attacking options. The Serbian striker has previously expressed a desire to play in the Premier League, and Chelsea can offer him that opportunity. The club would avoid a transfer fee, although they would need to meet Vlahovic’s wage demands.
Sources describe Vlahovic as an ‘ideal’ signing, representing a valuable opportunity for Chelsea to secure a top-level striker without a substantial transfer outlay, particularly after recent heavy spending. While not a ‘perfect’ striker, he brings top-level experience, a strong physical presence, and the ‘penalty-box presence’ Chelsea have often lacked. Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring Vlahovic, with Roberto De Zerbi considering him as an alternative to other targets.
Chelsea have already added Emmanuel Emegha to their attacking ranks from Strasbourg, but Vlahovic would represent a more significant addition. Other potential striker targets for Chelsea include Victor Osimhen, Ollie Watkins, and Igor Thiago, though Osimhen’s €150 million price tag presents a significant obstacle.
