Chelsea's first transfer under Xabi Alonso is glimpse of what could have been for Liverpool
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesChelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer this summer, with the Serbia international expected to leave Juventus as a free agent after contract talks broke down.Xabi Alonso could be set to welcome a new striker to Stamford Bridge(Image: Ricardo Larreina/Europa Press)Chelsea may be set to satisfy Xabi Alonso's ambition to bolster their attacking options through the acquisition of Dusan Vlahovic. The Juventus striker is anticipated to depart the Serie A side this summer as a free agent following the collapse of contract extension talks, according to Sky Sports Italy.Italian media outlets also indicate that Alonso, who is preparing for his first season at the helm at Stamford Bridge, has pinpointed the forward as a top target given the Blues' deficiency in that area.
Their failure to pose adequate attacking threat was among the contributing factors to their disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League this season.While Joao Pedro delivered a respectable first season with 20 goals in all competitions, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu combined for merely four goals in 54 outings.Alonso was heavily linked with Liverpool before he was approached by Chelsea, and the fact his first move was to sign a striker could suggest he'll go with an attack-minded approach.With Emmanuel Emegha anticipated to arrive at the west London club this summer from Strasbourg, overhauling Chelsea's forward line seems to be a crucial objective for the former Real Madrid boss.Vlahovic hasn't exactly set the world alight since his £66million move to Juventus in 2022. Nevertheless, he's still accumulated 68 goals in 168 appearances for the Turin side, reports the Express.Dusan Vlahovic has long been linked with a Premier League switch(Image: Getty Images)He was heavily linked with Arsenal back in 2022 before he moved to Juventus, with the striker viewed as the final piece in Mikel Arteta's team - though he ultimately opted to stay in Italy instead.At 26, it's fair to suggest his prime years remain ahead of him.
Another aspect of the transfer that increases its attractiveness for the Blues is that they won't need to pay a transfer fee for the arriving free agent, a crushing blow for Juve given their significant investment in him.The prospect of not having to commit a substantial fee for the Serbia international — who has scored 136 goals throughout his club and international career — means Alonso will have the freedom to redirect funds towards bolstering other areas of his squad.The Athletic reports that the Spaniard is on the brink of completing his first signing as Chelsea manager, with Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra understood to be close to agreeing personal terms at Stamford Bridge.The Premier League has developed into a more demanding competition this season, with greater focus placed on set-pieces — a style of play that would suit Vlahovic's qualities as an athletic target man.Standing at 6'3", he would represent a formidable aerial presence, and his ability to turn and drive at defenders, coupled with his instinct for a composed finish, could hand Alonso the ideal striker for the demands of the modern Premier League.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Chelsea FCXabi Alonso