Chelsea can swoop for Arsenal transfer target with star ‘waiting for extension’

Mauricio Pochettino reviews the Arsenal game

Chelsea could swoop in and snatch up Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian goal machine is reportedly still waiting for a contract extension offer from Juventus after being heavily linked with a move away last summer.

The Blues are in desperate need of a striker and may choose to take advantage of Juve’s slow progress in tying down Vlahovic to a new deal. According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus contacted Vlahovic’s agent at the start of August to start exploring a new contract, however, no offer has been made as of yet.

Vlahovic has three years remaining on his deal at the Allianz Stadium having only signed for the Italian giants in January of last year. But the 23-year-old could have left just six months after his arrival.

Vlahovic was linked with a summer transfer to Chelsea, in a move that would have seen Romelu Lukaku head the other way – but the Belgian joined Roma on loan instead. Reports coming out of Italy claimed Vlahovic was also open to making the switch to Stamford Bridge.

In the end, Chelsea cut their losses and opted to play Kai Havertz down the middle for the majority of the 2022/2023 campaign before eventually completing a £32million move for Nicolas Jackson from Villareal the following summer. However, Jackson has got off to a laboured start to his Chelsea career, scoring just three times in his first nine club appearances in all competitions.

It is clear the Blues need another striker to compete with the Senegal international and may consider going back into the market for Vlahovic. They will have to fight off stiff competition from Arsenal though, who have reportedly renewed their interest in the forward.

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According to Tutto Juve, Arsenal are keen on acquiring his services during the January transfer window. Like Chelsea, the Gunners don’t have an out-and-out goal scorer among their ranks. Gabriel Jesus has proved to be a nuisance to opposition defenders down the middle but has struggled in front of goal since making the switch from Manchester City last summer.

Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah has scored just six times in 39 Premier League appearances since becoming a first-team regular last season. Both sides would clearly benefit from Vlahovic’s presence but will have to meet Juventus’ hefty £68.7m if they want to get a deal done.

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