Chelsea could “be in pole position” to sign Vlahovic amid Delap’s poor form

Chelsea could now “be in pole position” to sign a £372k-a-week Champions League striker, with Liam Delap struggling in front of goal.

Blues eyeing new centre-forward with Delap struggling

Gabriel Agbonlahor has made it clear he believes Delap shouldn’t have been brought to Stamford Bridge at this stage of his career, saying earlier this month: “I think the jump from Ipswich to Chelsea was too much. When I look at him as a striker, I like him – he can hold up the ball well, he’s a good finisher, but he just doesn’t look sharp enough for the top level of the Premier League.

“Someone like Osimhen was the striker they should have gone out and got.”

In truth, it is difficult to disagree with the former Aston Villa striker, given that the Englishman has found it difficult to make an impact, netting just one goal in 16 Premier League outings this season.

Liam Rosenior’s side are still on course to have a decent campaign, currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, and they have made it through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, it may be a wise move to bring in a new centre-forward at the end of the season, and reporter Carlo Pellegatti has now dropped a new update on Chelsea’s pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

Pellegatti said (via Sport Witness): “Chelsea and Tottenham, and therefore England, could be in pole position for Dusan Vlahovic’s future.

“I’m not surprised, because his agent’s commission demands are very high. He himself wants a signing bonus. The financial negotiations are very complicated and, in my opinion, excessive for Milan at this time.”

Last week, it was revealed the Serbian could be available on a free transfer at the end of the campaign, but his wage demands may be high, with the Juventus star currently raking in £372k-a-week.

Vlahovic impressing in the Champions League

The 26-year-old hasn’t made much of an impact in the Serie A this season, having been out with an adductor injury since the end of November, but he has an impressive goal return in the Champions League.

Former coach Cesare Prandelli was also full of praise for the Serbia international earlier in the campaign, saying: “Dusan has shown great professionalism. He has endured everything. His goals reflect his inner balance. For me, he is a champion. I’d like to see him score even more — he is one of the strongest forwards in Europe.”

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With Vlahovic potentially set to be available on a free transfer this summer, it could be worth Chelsea taking a risk on the former Fiorentina man, and Stamford Bridge should be a more attractive destination than Tottenham, given Thomas Frank’s side’s struggles this season.