Chelsea are ready to rival FC Barcelona in the pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Luka Jovic, according to reports.
The Blues want to bring in attacking reinforcements in the summer and Jovic’s impressive form so far this season has caught the attention of several top clubs. The attacker has already asocred 14 goals in the German top-flight this season.
According to Goal, Jovic could cost around €60 million, and Chelsea will face stiff competition from Barcelona.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested in the services of the Serbian international.
Luka Jovic: The player Sarri needs
Maurizio Sarri has received some harsh criticism from his own fans after Chelsea’s suffered defeats against Manchester United and Manchester City earlier this month. This made it clear that the Blues are in definite need of a squad overhaul in the summer, especially in the attacking department.
Eden Hazard, who is the club’s leading scorer this season with 12 goals, has been linked with a move away, while ageing wingers like Willian and Pedro have looked terribly out of shape this season.
Additionally, Gonzalo Higuain is yet to get his feet sorted in England, and the Argentine will turn 32 halfway through next season, further accentuating the need of a new attacker in the summer despite the impending arrival of Christian Pulisic.
Luka Jovic, in that regard, could be an excellent option for the Blues due to the highly technical nature of his game, which should tune in well with Sarri’s tactical philosophy at Chelsea.
Unlike Higuain, the 21-year-old is a smart operator in the final third, who manipulates the opposition backline with his clever runs in behind the defence. This is helped by the fact that he has an excellent first-touch and a remarkable control on the ball, which allows him to keep hold of possession even under tight pressure.
Furthermore, Jovic can also be utilised as a creative force in attack, as the Serbian often looks to link up with teammates and create scoring opportunities in the final third.
The 21-year-old has forged an excellent understanding with Ante Rebic and Sebastian Haller at Frankfurt this season, and has the ability to do the same with Higuain and Pulisic.
And at the age of 21, Jovic might prove to be a prudent long-term investment for Chelsea as they look to start a new era under Sarri next season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored