‘He misses sitters’ - Chelsea advised on Vlahovic-Lukaku swap deal
Carlo Garganese
- 9 Aug 2023 13:26 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have been indirectly advised to swap Romelu Lukaku for Dusan Vlahovic as the Serbian is a far better player.
That is according to former defensive legend Pietro Vierchowod, who advised his former club Juventus not to give Vlahovic up to Chelsea.
The two clubs are currently in negotiations over a part-exchange deal involving the two strikers.
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What did Vierchowod say?
“I would keep Vlahovic and not sign Lukaku, because he is almost entirely physical strength,” Vierchowod told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I have seen the Belgian miss some incredible sitters… Dusan has far more quality, greater technique and I think a player like him just needs to be improved in terms of his mental strength.
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“If he can shake off some of that anxiety, he’ll become a very good striker. He has everything required, perhaps he is just missing a little bit of hunger.”
Juventus are demanding €40 million plus Lukaku in order to hand over Vlahovic.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are only prepared to pay around €20-25m so there is still a significant gap between the two teams’ offers.
Lukaku has already agreed a three-year contract with Juventus, while Vlahovic would also accept a move to Chelsea.
Lukaku had originally been expected to return to Inter for a third time ahead of next season, having spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan from Chelsea.
However, the Nerazzurri suddenly stopped negotiations last month after being angered when Lukaku held talks with rivals Juventus behind their back.
As a result, Inter withdrew their transfer offer, leaving Juventus a free path to sign Lukaku.
But Juventus are unable to sign Lukaku until they sell Vlahovic as they lack the funds.
Juventus already offered Chelsea the opportunity to sign Vlahovic in June but this was rejected. Talks have now resumed.
Chelsea are looking for a first-choice striker ahead of the 2023-24 season, and Vlahovic could be that man.
Juventus, meanwhile, believe that Lukaku is more suited to manager Max Allegri than Vlahovic.
Vierchowod, who played for Juventus when they won their last Champions League in 1996, believes it would be a mistake if his ex-team swapped Vlahovic for Lukaku.
