Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is reportedly on Chelsea’s radar ahead of a potential summer switch to Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old would bring goals, physicality, flair – and even a rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo should he make the move.
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Flash back to November 2021, and the then-Fiorentina marksman was one of the hottest properties in Europe.
His fine start to the 2021/22 season had Arsenal desperate to secure his services in the winter window, before the Old Lady hijacked their proposed transfer.
And it wasn’t just at club level he was impressing, but also on the international stage with Serbia where he helped his side qualify for the World Cup at the expense of Portugal by topping the group.
Serbia managed to win 2-1 away at Portugal thanks to a dramatic winner from Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Following the full-time whistle, Ronaldo was heading off towards the tunnel, before Vlahovic walked over to approach him.
Their exchange appeared to turn animated, with the Al Nassr forward seen gesturing and pointing at Vlahovic.
Vlahovic continued to try and speak to Ronaldo, but the latter continued to shake his head, before then refusing to look at him as he stormed off the pitch on his own.
The Juventus man, who replaced Ronaldo in Turin, later claimed that he was so riled up because of his disallowed goal during the 2-2 draw between the two countries in their previous group meeting.
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It meant that Portugal were forced to compete in the World Cup play-offs, where they ensured their passage into Qatar.
Speaking to Telegraf about the incident, Vlahovic said: “My dad always told me, after every game, whether you win or lose, go to talk to you opponents, shake hands with everyone and the referee. I still do today.
“So, I went to him and at that moment, understandably, he was very agitated and angry.
“The only thing he said to me, as is well known, was that the goal in Belgrade had to stand and that perhaps this reversed everything.
“I wished them good luck in the play-offs and told them they will go through, because they have one of the best players in the world.”
After five seasons in Italy, Vlahovic could now be on the move, with the Daily Mail reporting that Chelsea are weighing up an offer.
It has been said that the west Londoners could pay up to £38.5million to snap him up, while also offering Romelu Lukaku in exchange.
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