Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntioli has confirmed that Chelsea submitted a bid for striker Dusan Vlahovic in the summer.

The West London club strengthened their frontline over the summer with the addition of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.

However, they were understood to be looking for another central striker to bolster Mauricio Pochettino's forward options.

Vlahovic was among the names that were linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.

There were discussions over a deal that would have seen Belgium international Romelu Lukaku move in the opposite direction.

While Chelsea were seemingly keen to sign Vlahovic, a transfer failed to materialise, ensuring that the Serbian remained at the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus' sporting director has now confirmed that Chelsea tabled an offer but ultimately failed to meet the player's asking price.

Speaking in an interview with La Repubblica, Giuntoli said: "There was an offer from Chelsea for Vlahovic. We didn't want to part with Dusan, but faced with certain figures, we would have accepted. Chelsea never reached that amount, and the [Lukaku] swap did not materialise."

After remaining in Turin, Vlahovic has gone on to enjoy an impressive start to the 2023-24 campaign, scoring four goals in six Serie A appearances.

Vlahovic, who is under contract until June 2026, has now scored a total of 27 goals in 69 games since joining Juventus from Fiorentina in January 2022.

While Lukaku was unable to complete a move to Juventus, he still returned to Italy to link up with his former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho at Roma.

Like Vlahovic, the Chelsea loanee has also been in fine form, registering three goals in five competitive matches for the Giallorossi.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have struggled in the final third this season, scoring just five goals in their first six league games.

They will be hoping to add to that tally when they face West London neighbours Fulham in Monday's Premier League fixture. body check tags ::