Chelsea Transfer News: Free agent deal eyed for surprise Liam Delap replacement

Chelsea are set to launch a bid to sign a big-name free-agent striker this summer, according to TeamTalk.

Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is set to see his contract expire at the end of the season.

Chelsea, along with Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan, are among the favourites to land the Serbian, who turns 26 in two days.

Vlahovic joined Juventus in January 2022, having scored 20 goals in 24 matches in all competitions for Fiorentina in the first half of that season. He has not topped 20 goals in all competitions in a full season in Turin.

After the Old Lady’s free signing of Jonathan David last summer, it is evident that Vlahovic — who has been out with an adductor injury since late November — will be allowed to walk away for no fee.

Can Chelsea persuade another striker?

Chelsea already have Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Marc Guiu at the club, while Emmanuel Emegha is set to arrive from Strasbourg in the summer. Nicolas Jackson could also return if he does not meet the requirements for Bayern Munich to make his loan permanent.

The southwest London club are more likely than Spurs and Milan to offer a large wage package, which may be too much for Vlahovic to pass up as he enters his prime years.

But a free transfer will allow any team to offer higher wages than usual, which may level the playing field between the three clubs chasing the player’s signature.

Vlahovic would face less competition for playing time if he were to join Spurs or Milan.

Dominic Solanke’s injuries and inconsistent form in north London mean his place is up for grabs, while Massimiliano Allegri’s use of two forwards in a 3-5-2 means there are more minutes to go around for attacking players at Milan.

With a transfer fee being no obstacle to acquiring Vlahovic, the player’s priorities may make the difference in which club he ends up joining.

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