Chelsea have discussed a deal to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus, but consider the forward’s wage demands ‘prohibitive’ as the club ‘restructure their wage tiers’.
Mauricio Pochettino is rebuilding his squad this summer with forward additions a focus for Chelsea, who scored just 38 goals in the Premier League last season – the second-lowest return in a league campaign in the club’s history.
Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have already arrived to improve Chelsea’s forward threat, but the west Londoners remain interested in signing a recognised number nine and have held internal discussions regarding Juventus striker Vlahovic.
The Serbia international has been linked with an exit due to the financial and legal troubles at Juventus. The Italians have withdrawn from European competition for next season – effectively serving a one-year ban – after being docked points in Serie A last season for ‘financial irregularities’ and ‘false accounting’ in relation to past transfer dealings.
Vlahovic’s sale could ease the financial pressure on Juventus, but the Daily Mail are reporting that Chelsea are hesitant to firm up their interest due to the 23-year-old’s wage demands.
A potential swap-deal involving Vlahovic and Romelu Lukaku has been mooted with Juventus interested in the latter, but Chelsea are cautious of upsetting their newly established wage structure. PSG and Tottenham have also been credited with interest in Vlahovic.
