Chelsea have been trying to make a few reinforcements in their squad this summer, and Serbian central defender Strahinja Pavlovic has turned into one of their key targets.
Currently playing for RB Salzburg, 23-year-old Pavlovic impressed not only at the domestic level but also at Euro 2024 and made himself a target for a few top clubs in Europe.
This summer saw seven Chelsea players flying the Blues flag, representing their nations at Euro 2024.
Of that seven, already eliminated are four with Romelu Lukaku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Armando Broja, and Djordje Petrovic. Marc Cucurella still remains in contention with Spain, as Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer do for England.
Chelsea are looking to scout some of the Euro 2024’s top performers—but Pavlovic stands mysteriously as an alternative to Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who is said to join Arsenal.
As per Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are in a mix of many clubs that are looking to sign Pavlovic, which also includes Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest.
Wolves are also interested after losing captain Max Kilman to West Ham, but Brentford appear to be at the front of the queue having already opened talks with Pavlovic’s representatives in a deal likely to cost around £25m.
It may come as something of a shock to most people that Pavlovic made 37 appearances in all competitions for RB Salzburg last season, featuring six times in the Champions League.
He tallied four goals and three assists in an impressive campaign that underlined his robust defensive powers.
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Football talent scout Jacek Kulig recommended: “Pavlovic is a warrior” after impressing at Euro 2024 where he played all three of Serbia’s games to add to his 38 international caps.
To Chelsea, Pavlovic is deemed to be an excellent alternative to Calafiori. In terms of statistics for progressive passing and defense, Calafiori, joining Arsenal, is outstanding, while Pavlovic has different virtues.
The Serbian will bring a ball-carrying capacity which the Blues seemed to miss last season—to a great degree—with 1.28 progressive carries, 0.73 take-ons per 90 minutes, in comparison with Calafiori’s 1.07 and 0.5.
For progressive passing, Pavlovic provides 3.65 per 90 minutes, not far off then Calafiori, with 3.68.
Although the duo is closely matched in defensive positioning, Calafiori edges Pavlovic on ball recoveries, combined tackles, and interceptions.
While these statistical contrasts show that the class Pavlovic brings into the possession and defensive solidity makes him through in a worthy addition for the blues With new manager Enzo Maresca possibly eyeing some extra cover at the back, Pavlovic fits the bill perfectly.
Although missing out on Calafiori may be a little disappointing, the signing of Pavlovic would still have been a strong one for Chelsea, based on his displays at Euro 2024 and future potential.
