The Vanja Milinković-Savić transfer saga is heating up as Chelsea have reportedly taken pole position in the race to sign the Serbian goalkeeper. Reports indicate the Vanja Milinković-Savić transfer could cost around €20 million, with the Blues moving quickly to beat Manchester City to the Torino shot-stopper’s signature by triggering his release clause.

Who is Vanja Milinković-Savić?

If your wondering who this goalkeeper is that’s causing such a stir between two Premier League giants, you’ve come to the right place. Vanja Milinković-Savić is a 28-year-old Serbian international currently plying his trade with Torino in Italy’s Serie A. Standing at an imposing 6’7″ (201cm), he literally towers over most football strikers.

The Serbian giant has developed into one of Serie A’s most reliable goalkeepers, combining traditional shot-stopping abilities with the modern requirement for excellent distribution. He’s also the younger brother of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić, meaning footballing talent runs in the family.

His performances have caught the eye of top clubs across Europe, with Chelsea and Manchester City now apparently leading the chase. For fans looking at betting tips on his next destination, Tobibet currently has Chelsea as favorites to complete the Vanja Milinković-Savić transfer.

Why Chelsea Are Acting Fast

Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation has been somewhat unstable since the departure of Edouard Mendy. Robert Sánchez, brought in from Brighton, hasn’t quite convinced the Stamford Bridge faithful with some shaky performances, while Djordje Petrović remains relatively untested at the highest level.

The Blues’ decisiveness in pursuing Vanja Milinković-Savić suggests manager Enzo Maresca sees him as the long-term solution between the posts. At 28, the Serbian is entering his prime years for a goalkeeper and could potentially serve Chelsea for the next 6-7 seasons.

According to reports from reliable sources, Chelsea are prepared to meet Torino’s €20 million (approximately £16.7 million) release clause, which represents exceptional value in today’s inflated market for a goalkeeper of his caliber. His contract situation – with just one year remaining after this season – explains Torino’s willingness to cash in now.

Manchester City’s Interest

Manchester City’s interest in Vanja Milinković-Savić isn’t surprising given their long-term planning. Their current number one, Ederson, will turn 32 in August 2025, and while he remains one of the world’s best, Pep Guardiola’s side are known for their forward thinking.

City might view the Serbian as either an immediate high-quality backup or a potential successor to Ederson. However, they appear to be moving more cautiously than Chelsea in negotiations, potentially opening the door for the Blues to swoop in.

Should City miss out on Milinković-Savić, they may turn their attention to other targets, with Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi reportedly on their radar as well.

What’s Next for Vanja Milinković-Savić?

The coming weeks will be crucial for determining where Vanja Milinković-Savić plays next season. With Chelsea apparently accelerating talks, a decision could come sooner rather than later.

For Torino, selling their star goalkeeper isn’t ideal, but the financial reality of his contract situation makes this summer the perfect time to maximize his value. For the player himself, the opportunity to join either Chelsea or Manchester City represents a significant step up in his career and the chance to test himself in the Premier League.

Whichever club ultimately secures his signature will be getting a goalkeeper entering his prime years with the physical attributes and technical skills to succeed at the highest level. The Vanja Milinković-Savić transfer saga is definitely one to watch as the summer window approaches.