Real Madrid step up Kylian Mbappe transfer back-up plan in blow for Chelsea
Real Madrid have identified Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as an alternative option if they fail to land Kylian Mbappe's signature this summer.
The Spanish giants have long been linked with a move for the 24-year-old superstar, who has at times this window seemed destined to leave Paris Saint-Germain. However, the longer the saga goes on, the more fears mount over at the Santiago Bernabeu that Mbappe could end up staying in the French capital for another season.
Real Madrid are keen on landing a forward before the window's close, particularly after bidding farewell to Karim Benzema this summer. Though Carlo Ancelotti's side bought Joselu, it is widely believed that those at the top of the club's hierarchy feel Los Blancos need more firepower ahead of the new season.
According to Cadena SER, Vlahovic is the ideal candidate to come and spearhead Real Madrid's attack if Mbappe continues to dither over where he wants to be. Were Vlahovic to join, it could be the kind of move that suits all parties.
Juventus have been linked with Chelsea ace Romelu Lukaku, which would surely knock Vlahovic further down the pecking order should he also remain in Turin. There is also the added factor that the Serbia international wants to play European football, something Massimiliano Allegri's side can't currently offer after being banned from all of forms of UEFA competition next term.
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Few can ignore the allure of Real Madrid when they do come knocking, so if Los Blancos do try to land Vlahovic's signature there's every chance they are successful in their pursuit.
Chelsea could sign Dusan Vlahovic as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, but Real Madrid are also circling (Getty Images)Mirror Football is now on Threads! You can follow us here.
However, this would serve as a damaging blow to Premier League titans Chelsea, who are also prowling the market for yet another forward, despite already signing Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal earlier on this window.
This is because the two moves are linked. Despite spending last season on loan at Inter Milan, Lukaku remains a Chelsea player and if the Belgium international was to join Juventus, the Blues would be a forward short - hence their own desire to bring Vlahovic to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have also seen Christopher Nkunku arrive this summer, with the former Red Bull Leipzig star able to be deployed both on the flanks and as a forward. However, the Frenchman has sustained an injury that will see him miss the opening exchanges of the new campaign.
Even before news of that knock had been revealed, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted the Blues were open to signing another forward.
"Today I think we are happy with the performance and they [Jackson and Nkunku] can complement each other really well. Yes, of course, maybe we can add some different profile or different player who can help us, of course we are open."
He went on to add: "We need to analyse now in the next weeks until the transfer window closes. We will take the best decision for the team."
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