Chelsea have “proposed” using Romelu Lukaku in their opening bid for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to the Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The Italian newspaper claims the Blues’ record £97.5m signing could be included in a part-exchange offer, but the likelihood of it being accepted is very low.

One of the main issues would be Lukaku’s unwillingness to join Juve. He was the subject of racist abuse from the Bianconeri fans back in April so there is no chance that he would consider such a move.

With that being the case, Chelsea would have to try and meet Juventus’s valuation for Vlahovic. The Serie A club are currently demanding around €80m (£69m), which is the same figure that he was signed for eighteen months ago.

Vlahovic is overpriced based on this season’s performances

It is fair to say that the Serbian international has struggled during his first full campaign with Juventus.

Vlahovic scored just ten goals in the league, and 14 in total. Due to his poor goal return, clubs will be reticent about paying such a high sum for his signature.