Chelsea in four-way battle to sign 'next Pique'

Stuart Telford

• 25 Apr 2023 08:49 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are one of four Premier League clubs who have sent scouts to watch Hajduk Split youngster Luka Vuskovic, who has drawn comparisons with former Barcelona star Gerard Pique.

The Blues may be all at sea with their senior squad this season, with 40+ players on the books and Todd Boehly already two managers down after Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and now Frank Lampard.

Chelsea have spent more than €600 million in the transfer market since the American billionaire replaced Roman Abramovich as owner last May, but they find themselves 11th in the Premier League.

READ: Chelsea set to sell £50m star just ONE YEAR after buying him

The club's under-23s are second to Manchester City in Premier League 2, however, and Boehly has made it his mission to signs the best young talent in the game, his 'Vision 2030' evidenced by the acquisitions of Andrey Santos, Carney Chukwuemeka and David Datro Fofana.

And Vuskovic could be the next teenager to make his way to Stamford Bridge, although Chelsea face competition.

Man City 'enquiry'

"All eyes were on Hajduk Split defender Luka Vuskovic at the Stade de Geneve last week. Pushing 6'5" at just 16 years old, he's difficult to miss," report the Daily Mail.

"Manchester City have already made an enquiry for Vuskovic, who is valued at around £12million, while Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United were represented in Geneva."

READ: Luka Vuskovic's FootballTransfers profile

Vuskovic helped Split to a 3-1 win over AC Milan in the UEFA Youth League last Friday, but missed out on being crowned European champions at that level with defeat to AZ Alkmaar on Monday.

Vuskovic's style is reminiscent of Pique's, although there is some concern about his grace, or lack thereof, as he grows into his formidable frame over the coming years.

In Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill, currently on loan with Brighton, Chelsea already have a healthy collection of centre-backs still eligible for under-21 football.