Dusan Vlahovic has been dangled as a lure and could be heading from Juventus to Chelsea but only if the Blues are willing to include Romelu Lukaku in a part-exchange deal, according to a new report.
Despite having struggled to fit in at Stamford Bridge Lukaku had an impressive season in the Serie A back on loan with Inter Milan after having moaned and groaned for a return back to the Italian club and was granted his wish in 2021. In the meantime, Chelsea is intent on rebuilding their squad after an appalling Premier League season over the past 12 months but their plans to buy the 23-year-old Vlahovic outright may be difficult to justify financially.
The Old Lady allegedly rejected a £51.5m offer for the Serbian forward Vlahovic, insisting that their £77m asking price is met, according to Corriere della Sera. The news outlet also reported that the Old Lady would drop that price to just £21m, with the caveat that the Belgian international is included in a part-swap deal and moves to Turin, according to Football London.
Given the understanding that partial swap deals in football can be difficult to navigate, it would be immensely beneficial to both Chelsea and Juventus if they are able to find an agreement, hence facilitating the acquisition of their respective targets by both parties without overextending on transfer fees.
Simon Jones revealed on Sunday night that Inter Milan are willing to offer the Blues £30m for Lukaku’s services on a permanent basis, after he impressed with 14 goals in 37 appearances during his loan spell back at the club.
Meanwhile, Vlahovic made 27 Serie A appearances for Juventus last season, scoring ten times. He is currently under contract until 2026, after being signed for £66m last summer from Fiorentina.
Juventus are also reportedly a tad peeved with Chelsea for increasing the price of Lukaku, after starting a bidding war with Inter Milan, according to Mail Sport.
Lukaku’s return to Chelsea two years ago was a dismal affair for the striker as he fell out with then manager Thomas Tuchel, netting 15 goals in 59 appearances for the club in 2021-22, before heading back to Inter. Obviously the Blues will be looking to recoup as much as possible of the £97.5m transfer fee they paid Inter back in 2021.