Chelsea offered Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as contract demands revealed

Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign a ‘standout’ free agent as he demands a marquee contract, according to reports.

Chelsea’s search for new forwards continues to generate plenty of attention as Xabi Alonso prepares for his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have been linked with several attacking players during the opening stages of the summer transfer window, but one name who remains firmly on the club’s radar is Morgan Rogers.

The Aston Villa star is seriously admired by Chelsea’s recruitment team and reports have suggested the club have spent months laying the groundwork for a possible move.

Rogers is viewed as a player capable of adding goals, creativity and versatility to Alonso’s attacking options, and it is believed they’ve held talks with his camp to get ahead of Arsenal and Man United (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea have also explored other attacking additions as they look to strengthen the squad following a disappointing campaign.

Recent reports have indicated that adding a striker is also one of the club’s priorities, with recruitment staff continuing to assess several options across Europe and at home.

However, one of the most intriguing opportunities on the market has now been presented to the Blues.

Chelsea offered free Dušan Vlahović transfer

According to TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea have been contacted about the possibility of signing Dušan Vlahović, with the Serbian striker available for free this summer as things stand.

The 26-year-old built his reputation at Fiorentina before securing a big-money move to Juventus, and he has established himself as a regular Serie A goalscorer despite experiencing mixed fortunes in Turin.

His availability has naturally attracted interest from across the continent.

Chelsea are understood to be among several Premier League clubs who have been informed about the situation.

Bailey’s report suggests intermediaries have been sounding out potential destinations as they attempt to find the striker’s next club, and Chelsea are one of them.

One of the most important details concerns Vlahovic’s salary expectations.

According to TEAMtalk, the Serbia international is seeking a deal worth around £150,000 per week.

For a player with his experience and pedigree, that figure is not considered excessive by Premier League standards, but the bigger issue appears to be the wider financial package attached to any move.

Signing-on fees and agent costs are among the factors clubs must consider before making a formal approach, and that is particularly relevant for Chelsea.

Although the club remain willing to invest heavily in elite talent, they have spent the last few years implementing a stricter wage structure.

Any deal would therefore need to fit within the financial model currently being followed at Stamford Bridge.

The attraction of Vlahovic is obvious, though.

He offers a different profile to many of Chelsea’s current attackers, and the Serbian is a traditional number nine who thrives inside the penalty area and has consistently delivered goals throughout his senior career.

His physical presence, aerial ability and finishing instincts would give Alonso another dimension in attack.

There is also the fact that Chelsea would not need to pay a transfer fee.

Competition remains fierce, however.

Newcastle and Tottenham have also been credited with interest, while Besiktas are reportedly pushing particularly hard and are willing to meet the player’s wage demands with a lucrative contract offer.

That means Chelsea will need to decide quickly whether they want to advance their interest in the ‘standout’ free agent.