Chelsea have been handed a major boost to their hopes of signing Dusan Vlahovic this summer. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently, with Mauricio Pochettino said to still be in the market for a striker despite having already signed Nicolas Jackson.
The Blues have struggled to truly replace the Didier Drogba, with only Diego Costa and Olivier Giroud coming close to fulfilling the all-encompassing target man role. Chelsea have experimented with the likes of Alvaro Morata, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz over the years, but neither have enjoyed nearly as much success.
With a newly-implemented data-driven recruitment system, Vlahovic has reportedly been identified as somebody who has what it takes to rejuvenate the west Londoners' frontline. According to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, Juventus have rejected an opening bid for the Blues worth around €60million (£51.5m).
The report states that the Old Lady could be open to offloading the Serbia international if they can get £77m for his signature – £11m more than what they paid for him last year. It's said that he's eager for a new challenge and his agent, Darko Ristic, had already held talks with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea over a potential move to the Premier League.
Vlahovic, who sees his contract at the Allianz Stadium expire in 2026, featured 27 times for Juventus in the Serie A last season, scoring ten times. He arrived in Turin – after snubbing the Gunners – as one of the most exciting young talismen in Europe.
But, under Massimiliano Allegri, the striker has struggled to reach the same heights he once enjoyed at Fiorentina. While the Old Lady may be determined to drive a hard bargain for Vlahovic's signature, the latest reports from Italy suggest that he could be on the move sooner rather than later.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus are ready to reach an agreement with Atalanta for the signing of Rasmus Hojlund once the Serbian is offloaded. The 20-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time now, but he could snub Manchester United if Chelsea meet the Old Lady's valuation of Vlahovic.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Rayan Cherki 'approval', Dusan Vlahovic bid, Osimhen contract
In an interview with the Danish media earlier this summer, Hojlund responded to speculation linking him with a move to the Red Devils. As quoted by Football Italia, he said: "It is a huge club, so I must have done something right if it’s rumoured they want me.
"We have to see what happens. From what we all hear, I imagine a lot could happen to quite a few strikers this summer, as many clubs are looking for a number nine.
"Something will definitely happen there, and then we’ll have to wait and see if I am included in it. I am very happy to be with Atalanta and we have qualified for Europe, so now we have to wait and see."
And, then in January, Hojlund admitted that he is a 'huge fan' of United. The £52m-rated Atalanta wonderkid said: "Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan.
"So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me, but of course that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point."
