Chelsea in 'talks' with one of world's most in-demand players to become Xabi Alonso's first major signing

Chelsea are reportedly in talks with one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, with the player potentially becoming Xabi Alonso’s first signing at the club.

After a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, which saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior sacked before Chelsea ultimately finished tenth in the Premier League, Alonso was appointed head coach.

The former Liverpool midfielder arrives with a strong reputation, having won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, with the side going unbeaten throughout the 2023/24 season.

Alonso then joined Real Madrid in 2025 before leaving by mutual consent after just seven months at the Santiago Bernabéu in January 2026.

Chelsea provides the Spaniard with a different challenge from his previous managerial roles, with the club in disarray despite spending huge sums on transfers in recent seasons.

READ MORE: Chelsea reject multiple offers for player deemed 'untouchable' by Xabi Alonso amid Arsenal interest

Several senior players, including Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernández, have been linked with moves away from the club this summer, while Alejandro Garnacho could also depart.

However, Alonso could soon welcome the first signing of his reign, with TEAMtalk reporting that Chelsea are in talks with Dušan Vlahović’s father over a move to Stamford Bridge.

Vlahović, 26, enjoyed a successful four-year spell with Serie A giants Juventus, scoring 68 goals in 168 appearances for the Italian club before allowing his contract to expire, meaning he will be available as a free agent next month.

The Serbia international has been tracked by Chelsea for a number of years, with the club said to be in contact with the player’s father, Milos, who has been speaking to clubs over potential moves.

Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport also reports that Newcastle United, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich have made contact over signing the 26-year-old.

If Vlahović joins Chelsea, it could spell the end of Liam Delap’s time at Stamford Bridge, with the 23-year-old Englishman reportedly attracting interest from Newcastle and Everton.

Vlahović was previously linked with Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal, as well as AC Milan.

The possibility of Vlahović signing a new deal remains, although it appears unlikely based on La Gazzetta dello Sport’s reports, with the outlet claiming:

“[Luciano] Spalletti's priority remains the centre forward. The Tuscan has devoted himself entirely to the renewal of Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract expires at the end of the month, and has asked the club for one last chance. This week, Comolli and Chiellini will meet again with his father, Milos, who in the meantime has listened to offers from Bayern, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Newcastle. A do-or-die summit is expected. Juventus cannot and will not go beyond a certain figure (€6 million plus salary bonuses): a matter of principle.”

Giorgio Chiellini admits defeat in Dušan Vlahović negotiations

Last week, former Juventus defender and current director of football strategy at the club, Giorgio Chiellini, admitted that the player would not remain in Italy due to his wage demands.

“I am very sad. He cared about Juve right up to the last minute,” he said.

“He is a serious professional. With figures like these, he won’t remain in Italy, so it is only fair and legitimate that he is seeking a different level of salary.”

According to Capology, Vlahović earned a whopping £370,000 per week during his time in Turin.