Chelsea want to replace Romelu Lukaku with Serie A star

Chelsea are prepared to replace Romelu Lukaku with Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Blues recently landed the signature of Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson, but manager Mauricio Pochettino prefers another elite marksman.

Vlahovic is a top name on his shortlist, but a deal depends on whether the Blues can offload Lukaku on a permanent basis.

Inter Milan are keen on re-signing Lukaku, and it is claimed that Chelsea could accept a cut-price deal to sanction his departure.

In the process, Chelsea would free up the Belgian's wages of £325,000-a-week. They plan to utilise it on the purchase of Vlahovic.

The Serbian has been disappointing since his move to Juventus. He has netted only 23 goals from 63 appearances for the club.

Despite this, the Blues are willing to make a proposal for him, but Juventus are expected to demand a premium fee of around £69m.

The Bianconeri are open to negotiating a long-term payment deal, provided the Blues are willing to pay part of the transfer fee up front.