Chelsea handed fresh Dusan Vlahovic transfer opportunity as January decision made

Chelsea have reportedly been told that Juventus are prepared to put their striker Dusan Vlahovic on the market in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old made his move from Fiorentina in 2022, however, his stint in Turin took a bitter turn last season due to disagreements over a new contract offer. It's understood that Vlahovic was presented with a deal featuring a reduced wage as Juve aimed to cut down their salary bill at the club amidst the looming threat of Financial Fair Play (FFP).

As expected, this reportedly didn't sit well with Vlahovic and it seems the striker is set to depart the Serie A club sooner rather than later. The centre-forward's current deal is set to run out next summer and there's an effort at Juventus to recover some transfer funds rather than letting him leave on a free transfer at the end of his contract.

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In January, Vlahovic will be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with any overseas club - including Chelsea. However, Gazzetta dello Sport report that Juve are planning to push for a sale in January to recoup some cash.

However, the Italian heavyweights won't be able to demand too high a fee due to the risk of him signing a pre-contract agreement elsewhere. Vlahovic's spell at Juventus has been largely successful, although his time at the club appears to be drawing to a close.

He's already netted four goals in five appearances across all competitions this season, including a double against Borussia Dortmund in an electrifying 4-4 draw on the first matchday of the Champions League. Whether Chelsea will solidify their interest in Vlahovic come January is yet to be determined.

The Blues invested heavily in the striker position in the summer with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro joining the club. However, Delap has since suffered a serious injury and there are no guarantees as to when he will be back to his best.

The former Ipswich Town striker is due to return in November which should allow Enzo Maresca the opportunity to assess the Englishman before making a decision on signing an alternative. Chelsea may have to work quickly to make a deal possible.

Manchester United are just one of the clubs thought to be interested in the centre-forward.