Contract demands revealed, Chelsea have made an offer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic

Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign an “outstanding” free agent as they demand a marquee contract, according to reports.

Chelsea’s search for a new forward continues to receive a lot of attention as Xabi Alonso prepares for his first season at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have been linked with several attacking players in the early stages of the summer transfer window, but one name that remains firmly on the club’s radar is Morgan Rodgers.

The Aston Villa star is highly rated by Chelsea’s recruitment team and reports suggest the club have spent months laying the foundations for a potential move.

Rodgers is seen as a player who can add goals, creativity and versatility to Alonso’s attacking options and is thought to have held talks with Arsenal and Man United (Simon Phillips) to take him over.

Chelsea are also considering adding other attacking players to strengthen their squad after a disappointing season.

Recent reports indicate that adding a striker is also one of the club’s priorities, with recruitment staff continuing to consider several options across Europe and domestically.

However, one of the most interesting opportunities on the market presented itself to the Blues.

Chelsea offer Dusan Vlahovic a free transfer

According to TEAMtalk journalist Graham Bailey, Chelsea have been contacted about the possibility of signing Dusan Vlahovic and, as things stand, the Serbian striker is available for free this summer.

The 26-year-old made his name at Fiorentina before making a big-money move to Juventus and establishing himself as Serie A’s regular goalscorer despite a disappointing spell in Turin.

His availability has understandably attracted interest from across the continent.

Chelsea are thought to be one of several Premier League clubs to have been informed of the situation.

Bailey’s report claims that intermediaries have approached potential destinations for the striker in a bid to find his next club, with Chelsea being one of them.

One of the most important details concerns Vlahovic’s salary projections.

According to TEAMtalk, the Serbian international is seeking a contract worth around £150,000 a week.

For a player of his experience and pedigree, that figure would not be considered excessive by Premier League standards, but the bigger issue appears to be the wider financial package that would accompany the transfer.

Signing bonuses and agent fees are among the factors that clubs must consider before making a formal approach, and this is particularly relevant to Chelsea.

The club intends to continue to invest heavily in elite talent, but has introduced a stricter wage structure in recent years.

Any transaction would therefore need to fit within the financial model currently in place at Stamford Bridge.

But Vlahovic’s appeal is clear.

He offers a different profile to many of Chelsea’s current attackers, with the Serbian being a traditional No. 9 who thrives inside the penalty area and has consistently scored goals throughout his senior career.

His physical presence, aerial ability and decisiveness will bring a new dimension to Alonso’s attack.

There’s also the fact that Chelsea won’t have to pay a transfer fee.

However, competition remains fierce.

Newcastle and Tottenham are also said to be interested, with Besiktas pushing particularly hard and reportedly willing to meet the player’s wage demands with a lucrative contract offer.

This means Chelsea will need to decide quickly whether they want to increase their interest in an “outstanding” free agent.