Tottenham Hotspur are one of several clubs eyeing Dusan Vlahovic, but they have been overtaken by a Premier League rival in the race for the centre-forward.
Over recent months, Spurs have been installed as one of the favourites in the race to sign the Juventus star, but it appeared that the Lilywhites may have to give up on him after it emerged last month that Vlahovic was close to agreeing a new deal with the Bianconeri.
However, there has been a major twist in the transfer saga, with Juventus confirming earlier this week that the Tottenham target will be leaving as a free agent.
That was down to the Serie A club not being able to meet Vlahovic’s wage demands, and while that comes as a boost to Spurs, the Lilywhites may have to act fast to avoid being beaten to the Serbian’s signature.
There are also huge question marks over whether Tottenham would even be able to afford his wages themselves.
Chelsea overtake Tottenham in race for Dusan Vlahovic
TEAMtalk have now confirmed that Tottenham are one of the clubs eyeing a move for Vlahovic, but the outlet says that it is their London rivals, Chelsea, who have made the most progress towards landing the striker.
The Blues are very keen on a deal for the 26-year-old and have already been in contact with his representatives regarding a switch to Stamford Bridge.
In fact, it is revealed that the West London club have been tracking the Juventus star for several years and they have been actively searching for a new number nine this summer.
Chelsea are now the ‘best positioned’ to take advantage of Vlahovic’s free agency as the striker contemplates his next step.
Spurs face competition from four other English clubs for Vlahovic
TEAMtalk claim that apart from the two London clubs, Man United, Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle United have also been approached about the former Fiorentina man’s situation.
All suitors are assessing if a deal will be possible, but none of these clubs is as far along or as advanced as Chelsea. Atletico Madrid are also contemplating securing Vlahovic if they lose Julian Alvarez to Barcelona.
While Saudi Pro League sides have also shown interest in the 26-year-old, the centre-forward would prefer to continue playing in Europe.