Report claims Chelsea are now favourites to sign prolific Serie A striker for free

Fresh rumours from MatchdayHQ put Chelsea in the lead to land Dušan Vlahović. This report, citing Fraser Fletcher and TEAMtalk, suggests a Bosman deal could happen this summer. Right now, the Blues are ahead of the pack for the Serbian star, whose contract at Juventus expires in June 2026.

Chelsea are in pole position for a Dusan Vlahović swoop

Talks in Turin have reportedly hit a wall. So, the 26-year-old striker looks ready to leave the Allianz Stadium for free, putting top European clubs on high alert. Chelsea’s board sees this signing as a smart bit of business. It lets them bring in a proven finisher without blowing their transfer budget on a massive fee.

The Stamford Bridge striker situation

This news comes at a strange time for Chelsea’s attack. The club brought in Liam Rosenior as manager back in January, and he currently leans on João Pedro, who leads the scoring charts. While Pedro is doing his part, the rest of the forwards are hot and cold.

Critics are on Liam Delap’s back over discipline and a lack of clinical finishing. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson is away on loan at Bayern Munich for the duration of the 2025/26 season. That makes his long-term future in West London a total question mark. As it stands, the Blues just don’t have that classic, powerhouse number nine who can guarantee goals at the top level.

Vlahović is exactly that kind of player. At 1.90m tall, the Serbian will give them a target man that Chelsea’s current fluid attack often lacks. His 64 goals for Juventus prove he has a nose for the net, though recent injuries have slowed him down in Serie A.

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Getting a striker of his class for no transfer fee is a rare chance in this market. While Vlahovic will probably ask for a massive paycheck, Rosenior must decide if Vlahović’s physical traits fit his preferred high-pressure style. If the medical team gives him the green light, Vlahović could provide the finishing touch Chelsea need to trouble the opposition backline.