Chelsea are reportedly close to securing a deal for Dusan Vlahovic, with the Juventus striker currently the subject of talks between the two clubs.

That is according to the Express, who claim that the Blues are being asked to pay £34.4million for the player on top of a swap deal with Romelu Lukaku.

Vlahovic underwhelmed last season as he netted 14 goals from his 42 appearances in all competitions for Juventus, but Chelsea are reportedly long-term admirers of the player, and have been convinced of his signature for some time.

Why Chelsea should sign Vlahovic

Upgrade on Lukaku and Aubameyang

Vlahovic may not have hit the heights expected of him in Turin so far, but he hasn’t exactly failed, with the Serbian netting 23 goals from his 63 appearances.

It’s a step back from his wonder days at Fiorentina, where he scored 49 times from 108 matches at the Serie A club before his move to the Old Lady.

Still, the player represents a massive upgrade from the ageing Lukaku, who at 30 is seven years older than Vlahovic, who can improve over time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, meanwhile, who has left Chelsea for Ligue 1 club Marseille, really struggled at Stamford Bridge, and the potential new recruit can undoubtedly have a better time of things in West London.

Competition for Jackson

Chelsea have already strengthened in the final third this summer, with the club bringing in Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.

The duo have hit the ground running in blue with some top displays in pre-season, but they definitely need competition as the club looks to get back to its best under Mauricio Pochettino.

Nkunku may not be utilised in a central role anyway, leaving Jackson as the team’s only striker option, unless of course Vlahovic is recruited.

Proven goalscorer

Despite his recent struggles, Vlahovic is a proven goalscorer at club and country level, with the striker having banged in 13 goals from his 21 Serbia appearances.

At just 23 years old, it is quite a record, and one that will rise and rise as the years go on, with the Juventus player the ideal successor to veteran striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The wantaway Fulham man is, however, just 28 years old, meaning the duo can continue their lethal partnership for many years to come before Vlahovic takes over.

Money to spend on Vlahovic

Finally, the Blues clearly have money to spend, with owner Todd Boehly not afraid to break the bank to bring exciting players to Stamford Bridge.

The American has shown this in recent windows, and is seemingly not slowing down on this front as he looks to finally get things right in West London.

It hasn’t worked out so far, but there seems to be no limit to how far Boehly will go to find success on the pitch.

Not only is there money available at Chelsea, but there is also space available, with Pochettino having overseen the exits of many senior players.

Edouard Mendy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ethan Ampadu, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount have all left Stamford Bridge this summer.