Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'walk away from Dusan Vlahovic, Romelu Lukaku swap deal'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 10 August 2023

Chelsea 'walk away from Vlahovic, Lukaku swap deal'

Chelsea reportedly make the decision to walk away from a potential part-exchange deal involving Romelu Lukaku and Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.

Chelsea have reportedly ended their interest in potentially exchanging Romelu Lukaku with Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.

Throughout the summer transfer window, it has been common knowledge that the Premier League outfit have been keen to part ways with Lukaku.

At one stage, a permanent switch back to Inter Milan appeared to be a foregone conclusion, yet the Champions League runners-up pulled out of negotiations once it allegedly became apparent that the Belgium international had spoken to rivals Juventus around the time of their European showpiece event.

That made Juventus the favourites to secure a deal for the 30-year-old, providing that they could find a buyer for Vlahovic.

Despite the Serbia international contributing 23 goals from his 63 appearances for Juve, that has proven to be a difficult task, resulting in the relevant parties discussing a part-exchange.

Dusan Vlahovic in action for Juventus on October 2, 2022 © Reuters

While Chelsea are said to have already shunned Vlahovic on one occasion this summer, that option was put back on the table, presumably to aid facilitating Lukaku's exit.

However, Juventus have reportedly been demanding that as well as receiving Lukaku as a straight replacement for Vlahovic, they also recoup €40m (£34.5m) as well.

Although that was under consideration, Sky Sport Italia claim that Chelsea have now moved away from discussions over that particular proposal.

The report indicates that Chelsea were only prepared to go as high as €25m (£21.6m), a portion of that fee coming in add-ons, if they were to press ahead with a deal.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly before the match on April 18, 2023 © Reuters

How the saga involving Lukaku progresses now is unclear, the only other current realistic option on the table being a switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Even with Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino having left the club's number nine shirt vacant, it has been made clear that Lukaku will not be brought back into the first-team picture.

From Juventus' perspective, they may see Chelsea's alleged stance as a blessing in disguise after supporters venomously protested against Lukaku's potential arrival earlier this week.

The Serie A giants had hoped that Paris Saint-Germain may meet their valuation, but the Ligue 1 champions have instead signed Goncalo Ramos from Benfica.