‘An offer from the Premier League’ – Arsenal and Chelsea given chance to execute €30m deal

Kerim Alajbergovic is yet to find a new club and this is turning into a transfer opportunity for Arsenal and Chelsea.

The talent was on show at the World Cup after an impressive season at Salzburg. Bayer Leverkusen decided to bring him back on a permanent basis but the teenager’s future is far from secure in Germany.

Several clubs have lined up for his signature, with Sport Witness having previously covered AS Roma’s initial approach. Sunderland were credited with interest and Aston Villa were also linked with a move for the youngster.

Now, it is Chelsea and Arsenal who could have an advantage in the race.

Atalanta struggling

L’Eco di Bergamo report Atalanta are struggling to meet Leverkusen’s demands for Alajbegovic. They have offered a little over €20m, with the Bundesliga club still aiming to earn €30m from a sale.

There is belief a deal could yet close at €25m, but the talent may have to push for the deal. So far, he hasn’t done that, with Chelsea and Arsenal also mentioned as suitors.

The report adds that Alajbegovic isn’t the priority for Atalanta either. He is only an additional signing that improves their attack, which is an important point to consider.

Tuttomercatoweb clarify that La Dea have no intention of meeting Leverkusen’s €30m valuation.

Roma could join the race again but ‘an offer from the Premier League’ is on Leverkusen’s table. The name of the club remains unknown but it is a sign that the player’s future could lie in England.

Our take: Deal comes down to money

Clearly, a move to Italy is looking complex for Alajbegovic. Attempts have been made to find him a Serie A club but financially, that looks difficult now.

This should alarm Chelsea and Arsenal, who shouldn’t have problems paying €30m. The player is a future star and showed glimpses of that at the World Cup. He was excellent in helping Bosnia qualify for the tournament too, impressing against Italy in the play-off final.

Ideally, he would want to join a club where he plays regularly. Both the London clubs could loan him out before bringing him back to further his development.