Report: Chelsea make €80M offer to sign Juventus' Vlahovic

Chelsea's lavish spending looks set to continue this summer.

The Blues submitted an €80-million offer to Juventus for Dusan Vlahovic, who they've identified as their top target in the upcoming transfer window, sources told Julien Laurens of ESPN.

The Serbian international joined the Italian club in January 2022 for an initial €81.6 million after bursting onto the scene at Fiorentina. He's scored 10 league goals for Juventus this season, an uneven campaign disrupted by injuries and the attritional tactics of manager Massimiliano Allegri.

The uncertainty over Juventus' Champions League status could mean Vlahovic is sacrificed at the end of the season. Currently second in Serie A after having their initial 15-point penalty for illicit transfer activity rescinded, the Bianconeri are awaiting the outcome of another trial relating to the matter. A new ruling is expected to arrive Monday, which could again knock the club out of Italy's top four.

Vlahovic, 23, is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge amid the unpredictability in Turin, Laurens adds.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are in the market for a No. 9 after recording just 36 goals in as many Premier League matches so far this season. Kai Havertz, deployed as the de facto striker for the bulk of the campaign, is the team's top scorer with seven league goals in 2022-23.

The club's hierarchy has promised Mauricio Pochettino that a striker will be signed in the summer, Laurens notes. The Argentine reportedly agreed to terms to become Chelsea's new manager and will look to revive the west London outfit after a miserable campaign.