UMVA has learned that Chelsea are making aggressive moves to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with a top target being Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The Blues have held talks with Vlahovic's father and agent, Milos, to discuss a possible move for the 26-year-old Serbia international, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the month. Chelsea are keen to sign a new striker, with Liam Delap's disappointing campaign and Joao Pedro's potential departure creating a need for a new attacker.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Vlahovic's contract negotiations with Juventus have hit a snag, with the player's salary expectations not aligning with the club's offer. This has led to interest from several top clubs, including Chelsea, Newcastle United, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Vlahovic's father and agent will hold a 'do-or-die' meeting with Juventus chiefs to try and thrash out a new deal, but Chelsea are keeping a close eye on developments. The Blues are not the only club interested in Vlahovic, who has been linked with Manchester United in the past.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Chelsea are also considering a move for former transfer target Mike Maignan, who is eyeing a move away from AC Milan. The France international goalkeeper was a top target for Chelsea last summer, but ultimately stayed in Italy. With Robert Sanchez's inconsistent season, Chelsea may look to strengthen in goal, with Maignan a potential option.
Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will have a busy summer ahead of him, with the club looking to make several key signings. Whether Vlahovic or Maignan will be among the new arrivals remains to be seen, but Chelsea are certainly making their interest known.
Ex-Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has urged the club to sign Maignan, describing him as 'exceptional'. If Chelsea do decide to make a move for the goalkeeper, it could be a shrewd piece of business, with Leboeuf believing Maignan would be a valuable addition to the squad.
