VfB Stuttgart centre-forward Sasa Kalajdzic has been identified as a potential target for Chelsea, as Thomas Tuchel eyes summer reinforcements.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are plotting a move to sign Sasa Kalajdzic. There is no secret that the newly crowned European champions are eager to sign a new centre-forward, but amid difficulties in the pursuit of their top targets, they have set their sights on the VfB Stuttgart star this summer.
Chelsea’s priority target is Erling Haaland, who himself is keen to make the move to Stamford Bridge. But it appears Borussia Dortmund have no intention of cashing in on their star forward, forcing Thomas Tuchel to think out of the box for alternatives. One of such option has emerged as Kalajdzic, who enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga last term.
In 33 Bundesliga matches, the 24-year-old forward netted 16 goals, helping newly promoted Stuttgart finish in mid-table. His performances even helped him make his breakthrough in the Austrian national team, with the striker notably being involved in UEFA Euro 2020 recently.
Standing at 2m, Kalajdzic’s towering figure has made him one of the standouts in the Bundesliga. It has not gone unnoticed elsewhere either, with Tuchel now believed to be an admirer of the Austrian international, whose heading prowess certainly makes him an effective replacement for Olivier Giroud at Chelsea.
The veteran striker has recently joined AC Milan, despite signing a contract extension earlier in the summer. Chelsea are further expected to offload other options as well, with Tammy Abraham also in contention to exit Stamford Bridge.
The Englishman was reportedly offered to Tottenham Hotspur, while Arsenal have been interested as well. His departure should pave the way for Kalajdzic to join the Blues this summer. The 24-year-old has a considerable chance of making an immediate breakthrough as well, given how Chelsea have struggled due to Timo Werner’s lack of productivity upfront.
In Kalajdzic, Chelsea boss Tuchel will find himself a more natural number nine, whose heading prowess should be a boon for chance creators like Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea do make a move for the 24-year-old Austrian international, though. His current contract at Stuttgart expires in 2023, but the Bundesliga outfit might be reluctant on offloading him, as they have already lost one of the main attackers, Nico Gonzalez, to Fiorentina. It is also fair to point out that Kalajdzic was earlier linked with a move to Liverpool.
It will be interesting to see whether Jurgen Klopp rekindles his interest in the forward, especially if Chelsea come knocking on the door for the Bundesliga sensation this summer.