Prior to the upcoming season, Chelsea is looking to add a striker, and they may compete with Arsenal for at least one of their possible targets to bolster their front line.
Although the Blues have made significant progress since the previous campaign, they still do not have a productive "number nine." Diego Costa was the last center forward to score 20 Premier League goals in 2016–17.
Nicolas Jackson has nine more points just over halfway through this season after managing a respectable 14 in 2023–2024. But the Senegal international was little involved in Monday night's victory over Wolves at Stamford Bridge and hasn't scored since before Christmas.
According to the Times, Chelsea has already discussed the idea of acquiring the uneasy Renato Veiga with the Serie A powerhouses and is now "considering" Juventus attacker Dusan Vlahovic.
With 12 goals across all competitions so far this season, Vlahovic is by far Juventus' leading scorer. Although Randal Kolo Muani is anticipated to join on loan from Paris Saint-Germain shortly, his time in Turin since a €80 million move from Fiorentina three years ago has been somewhat turbulent.
A budget-conscious Juventus could also sidestep a planned salary increase that would take effect in the summer, when the Serbian international is already their highest paid player, by selling him before the start of the next campaign.
In January 2022, Arsenal expressed interest in Vlahovic but was defeated by Juventus. The Times reports that the Gunners are not currently pursuing him, despite the fact that they still haven't acquired a suitable striker. However, Benjamin Sesko is another striker who Arsenal is expected to pursue.
Last summer, the RB Leipzig forward agreed to a new, longer-term contract that included a pay increase, but with the caveat that he would be free to go in 2025.
The Slovenian has long been a target for Arsenal, and there have been new rumors that, in light of Gabriel Jesus' injury, they may step up their pursuit of him. The fact that Chelsea is also thought to be watching Sesko could be their issue.
After speaking with the player's representation, the Blues recently reached out to RB Leipzig, according to Sky Sport CH. However, they would prefer to finalize a summer deal rather than have Sesko relocate to London right away. Leipzig would get €80 million (£68 million) for the sale.
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