Dusan Vlahovic with a Chelsea news logo. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Report: Chelsea keeping tabs on striker with 5 g/a, wants free transfer next summer

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Charlie Patrick | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 2:15 AM ET

Chelsea could look to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer next summer according to reports in Italy.

The Blues added five new attackers over the summer, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap set to compete for the number nine role.

Nicolas Jackson left the club, but they also have Marc Guiu on their books after recalling him from Sunderland after Delap suffered a hamstring injury.

Chelsea could sign Dusan Vlahovic on free transfer in 2026

Delap’s injury has left Chelsea short at number nine and despite having Guiu, Maresca hasn’t given him a single minute since he was recalled.

Instead the Italian has fielded Tyrique George at centre forward, which hasn’t worked particularly well despite the youngster trying his best.

Whatever Chelsea decide to do with Guiu, it appears a new striker will arrive at Stamford Bridge next year, and Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport have reported Chelsea are pursuing Vlahovic and have a good chance of signing him in 2026.

The report adds Vlahovic wants to leave Juventus on a free next summer when his contract expires, whilst an offer from Germany could arrive soon.

Chelsea have previously been linked with Vlahovic, and whilst a free transfer would represent a good opportunity, the reality is the Blues are highly unlikely to meet his wage demands.

Emanuel Emegha to join Chelsea in 2026

Whether Chelsea opt to go for Vlahovic or not there will be a new striker coming next year after Emanuel Emegha signed a pre agreement to join the Blues.

Emegha has been officially announced by Chelsea, and will spend the season at Strasbourg before linking up with his new team-mates next summer.

There have been reports Chelsea could look to bring Emegha in January, but the 22-year-old seems set to spend the season in Ligue 1.

Emegha scored 14 league goals last season and is a unique profile given his 6ft 5′ frame, but he’s also blessed with pace and was the fastest player in Ligue 1 last season.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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