The player has previously been linked with Chelsea’s Premier League rivals: Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Now, the London club are reportedly in direct dialogue with one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers – a signing that could potentially be Xabi Alonso’s first at the club.
Read: Reporter Roberto Mancini gets the clean-up job at Italy
After a very disappointing 2025/26 season, in which both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior were sacked before Chelsea eventually finished tenth in the Premier League, Alonso was presented as the new head coach.
The former Liverpool star arrives at Stamford Bridge with a glittering reputation. He won both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal with Bayer Leverkusen – and led the team throughout the 2023/24 season undefeated.
He then moved to Real Madrid in 2025, but left the club after only seven months at the Santiago Bernabéu in January 2026.
At Chelsea, the Spaniard gets a whole new kind of challenge. The club is in complete disarray, despite spending huge sums on transfers in recent years.
Several of the club’s biggest profiles, including Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernández, have already been linked this summer. Alejandro Garnacho could also be on his way out.
But soon Alonso could welcome his first signing. According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are in talks with Dušan Vlahović’s father about a move to London.
Vlahović (26) has had a formidable four-year spell at Juventus, netting 68 goals in 168 appearances. His contract recently expired – which means that he will be available as a free agent as early as next month.
The Serbian international has been on Chelsea’s radar for years. The club is reportedly in contact with the player’s father, Milos, who has spoken to several clubs about potential transfers.
Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport also reports that Newcastle United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been in contact to sign the 26-year-old.
If Vlahović chooses Chelsea, it could spell the end for Liam Delap at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old Englishman is reportedly wanted by both Newcastle and Everton.
Previously, Vlahović has been linked with Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal – and AC Milan.
There is still a possibility that Vlahović will sign a new deal, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, that seems unlikely. The newspaper writes:
“Luciano Spalletti’s priority is still the striker. He has devoted himself fully to extending Dušan Vlahović’s contract, which expires at the end of the month, and has asked the club for one last chance. This week, Comolli and Chiellini will again face his father, Milos, who has meanwhile listened to offers from Bayern, Chelsea, Barcelona and Newcastle. An all-or-nothing summit awaits. Juventus cannot – and will not – go over a certain amount (€6 million plus bonuses). It’s a matter of principle.”
Giorgio Chiellini admits defeat in Vlahović negotiations
Last week, the former Juventus giant and current sporting director, Giorgio Chiellini, made an acknowledgement: The player will not stay in Italy – because of his salary demands.
“I’m very sorry. He cared about Juve until the last minute,” Chiellini said.
“He’s a serious professional. With such qualities, he will not stay in Italy. Then it is only fair and legitimate that he applies for a different salary level.
Read on English Clubs: Arne Slot made “derogatory” remark about new Liverpool signings before sacking
According to Capology, Vlahović earned a staggering £370,000 a week during his stay in Turin.
