According to Italian media, Premier League club Chelsea is considering a summer transfer for Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic. However, Chelsea is not the only club showing interest in the Serbian international.
Interest from Chelsea and Manchester United in Pavlovic
Pavlovic joined Milan from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2024 for a fee of €18 million plus add-ons. While initially not a regular starter, he became a key player for the Rossoneri in the 2025-26 season. He has impressed significantly, contributing four goals and an assist in 31 appearances in the Italian top flight from his position on the left of Milan’s back three.
His performances have attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and, more recently, Chelsea, according to reports from Calciomercato.com. Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are also reportedly in the running.
Calciomercato indicates that Chelsea has shown the strongest interest in acquiring Pavlovic this summer.
Milan is reportedly aiming to keep Pavlovic for the 2026-27 season. However, it is unlikely that the club would block a transfer if a substantial offer is received, similar to previous sales of players like Malick Thiaw, Tijjani Reijnders, and Sandro Tonali.
Milan is said to value Pavlovic at approximately €50 million, a figure that would be within reach for a club of Chelsea’s financial capacity.
Chelsea is also expected to offload centre-back Benoit Badiashile this summer, a player who has previously been linked with a move to Milan. However, reports from Calciomercato suggest that Milan is not interested in including any players in a part-exchange deal for Pavlovic.
Instead, Milan is reportedly interested in signing Mario Gila from Lazio, and a sale of Pavlovic could provide the necessary funds for that potential transfer.