Chelsea threaten to derail Tottenham move for Serie A marksman

Chelsea plan to rival Spurs for Dusan Vlahovic

Fabio Paratici made his long-awaited return to Tottenham earlier this week, joining as a co-sporting director. He will be sharing the transfer recruitment responsibilities with Johan Lange at White Hart Lane. The Italian made some great signings at Spurs during his first spell at the club, including the likes of Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro.

Now, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are set to push for Vlahovic’s signing after Fabio Paratici’s arrival, but face competition from London rivals Chelsea. The Serb’s situation at Juventus has caught the attention of Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly, who is eyeing bargain signings next year.

“The news that Paratici is returning to Spurs in a full-time capacity will undoubtedly spark talk about them going for Vlahovic, because of the Juve links,” Dean Jones told TEAMtalk.

“I do believe that Spurs have an interest, and the idea of adding him to their attack is a pretty exciting prospect.

“I have reservations about it actually happening, though, even if there is a lot of intent for top-level names to come in next year.

“Look out for Chelsea, as one of the competitors. I have been told they are very much being kept in the loop over his next move as they want another forward to come in and he could be ideal for the summer.

“Big-name, free agents is very much something they seem to be checking out at the moment.”

The Premier League could be a tempting destination for Vlahovic

Vlahovic has not managed to live up to the lofty expectations at Juventus since joining from Fiorentina in January 2022. A combination of Injury problems, inconsistency and constant chopping and changing of managers has been the factors behind the striker failing to make it big in Turin. Yet, at 25, he still has time to get his stuttering career back on track and perhaps a move away from Juve works as a boon for him.

The Premier League appears to be a tempting destination for the Serbian international, with Tottenham and Chelsea among many clubs keen to land him. An old-school centre-forward, the ex-Fiorentina star has the required physical qualities to thrive in the hustle and bustle of English football. He’d be a strong addition for either of the London clubs, bolstering their forward ranks.

Ultimately, it could all come down to the finances and project on offer. With Chelsea also interested, Spurs need to show their ambition, future plans and the path they are set to follow under Thomas Frank to convince Vlahovic to come to north London. The Blues won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup in Enzo Maresca’s first season and remain an attractive destination, but Paratici’s return to Tottenham could give them the edge to land the Juve centre-forward.