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Josh Holland

Chelsea have huge incentive to sign 'next Zinedine Zidane' as opening $65m offer rejected

Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Chelsea going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Blues.

First move for Vlahovic

Chelsea have reportedly had an offer worth €60million ($65million) rejected by Juventus for Dusan Vlahovic. The Blues are understood to be in the market for a new number nine this summer following Kai Havertz's move to Arsenal.

According to reports in Italy, Juve have swiftly turned down Chelsea's first move for the Serbian striker. It's understood that the Italian giants will only sell if they receive a similar amount to what they paid Fiorentina for him - £66.6million ($84.6million).

There are positives to be drawn, though, as the same report states that the Old Lady are considering a move for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund to replace Vlahovic.

football.london says: Vlahovic looks to be the next target on Mauricio Pochettino's list this summer. Nicolas Jackson's arrival will certainly add quality to the Argentine's frontline but a powerful presence, like the Serbian, is certain to be among the Argentine's priorities before the opening day of the season with Liverpool.

Chelsea aren't strapped for cash after the number of departures confirmed in the last 10 days. But unfortunately for Todd Boehly, the club can't repeat last season's mistakes and face another sale spree next summer.

If Vlahovic is the preferred striker by Pochettino, the next offer has to be more tempting for Juventus to accept to avoid yet another bidding war.

READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino already has Chelsea's Mason Mount replacement amid £60m Man United transfer

Zidane-like playmaker on radar

Chelsea are 'exploring the signing' of Lyon and France Under-21s international playmaker Rayan Cherki, according to reports.

Cherki has impressed a number of teams around Europe after his performances in the Under-21s European Championship this summer. Alongside Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga and Bayer Leverkusen Florian Wirtz, the 19-year-old is on Chelsea's radar to replace Mason Mount.

The Lyon star has received glowing references from Kylian Mbappe and Zinedine Zidane in the past. In fact, Cherki has been compared to Zidane for his attacking nature and goalscoring ability in France.

football.london says: It's fair to say that Chelsea's strategy to replace Mason Mount is youth. Wirtz, Veiga and Cherki have all become senior players at their respective clubs at such a young age and would be perfect candidates for years to come.

The signing of Cherki could be smart business by Todd Boehly. At only 19, the midfielder, who can also play out wide, would provide the versatility and quality to improve Pochettino's team next season. It's just a matter of price.

Like Chelsea, Lyon have no European football this season after a very disappointing season under Laurent Blanc. Selling one of their best talents could be a likely option to reinvest in the playing squad.

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