Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues offer €80 million for Dusan Vlahovic; club want David Raya, and more - May 22, 2023
Chelsea are preparing to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday (May 25). Frank Lampard's team are 12th in the league following their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Blues are willing to offer €80 million for the services of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. Elsewhere, the London giants are eyeing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on May 22, 2023:
Chelsea offer €80 million for Dusan Vlahovic
Chelsea have submitted a €80 million offer to sign Dusan Vlahovic, according to ESPN. The Serbian striker is a long-term target for the Blues, who have had their eyes on him since his time with Fiorentina. The 23-year-old joined Juventus in January 2022 and has been in good form.
Vlahovic has held his own in a turbulent season, registering 14 goals and four assists in 41 games across competitions. Mauricio Pochettino, who's set to take charge at Stamford Bridge this summer, is expected to pursue a new No. 9.
Vlahovic has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League, and it looks like the London giants have taken steps to secure his signature. The Bianconeri are likely to cash in on the player to address their financial problems.
The Serb has also struggled to come to terms with Massimiliano Allegri's tactics and could look to leave in search of greener pastures.
Blues want David Raya
Chelsea are interested in David Raya, according to journalist Dean Jones. The Blues already have Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy at their disposal, but neither is likely to be first-choice next season.
Incoming manager Pochettino is expected to make multiple changes to the current squad, and Raya is among the names doing the rounds. The Spanish goalkeeper has enjoyed a fruitful year with Brentford, registering 11 clean sheets in 38 games across competitions.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said that the London giants have to resolve their goalkeeper situation before mounting a move for a new face this summer.
"Raya looks pretty certain to move, and now that Brentford are making new goalkeeper plans, it’s just a case of finding his new home. Chelsea’s move for a goalkeeper is something that Mauricio Pochettino wants, but they will have to resolve the situation first in-house, as they have two big names in Kepa and Mendy," said Jones.
He continued:
"Mendy seems the one most likely to (go); he’s more attainable financially and easier to gauge interest in, sources have told me, but that still could take some time."
Jones added that Inter Milan's Andre Onana remains the preferred choice for Chelsea.
"From conversations I’ve had with contacts, it feels like their interest in Raya is legit, but I also think they prefer Andre Onana, just as Tottenham do. It’s very early days, but it’s not beyond imagination that Raya simply ends up signing for whichever team Onana doesn’t choose to join," said Jones.
The Nerazzurri are likely to let Onana leave for a fair price this summer.
Chelsea eyeing Romeo Lavia
The Blues remain interested in Romeo Lavia, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Belgian midfielder has exploded into the scene at Southampton this season, and the Blues are impressed with his efforts. With the Saints relegated from the Premier League, the 21-year-old could be available on a cut-price move this summer.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that the presence of former Southampton director Joe Shields at Stamford Bridge makes a move for Lavia quite likely.
"Romeo Lavia is a player Chelsea love. Chelsea have Joe Shields at the club, who is the director who signed Romeo Lavia for Manchester City's Academy and then signed Romeo Lavia at Southampton.
"He's the man who has built the career of Romeo Lavia, so it's normal to have this kind of link. They are pursuing the player, but it's not the only option," said Romano.
The London giants are eyeing midfield reinforcements this summer and also have their eyes on Moises Caicedo.