Rapid transfer to Chelsea – Player may not be at Monday preseason

Chelsea are serious about Bayer Leverkusen’s Kerim Alajbegović and moving forward to secure his services this summer.

A week ago, we relayed news from Bosnia that Chelsea have entered the race for the 18-year-old at Xabi Alonso’s request.

Last weekend, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy that he has an agreement with Atalanta.

Amid the Premier League side’s interest, the winger favoured La Dea, who are unwilling to meet Bayern Leverkusen’s €30m request.

Chelsea taking concrete steps

Sport Mediaset report Atalanta, Juventus, Fiorentina and AC Milan have all shown interest in the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.

The Serie A sides face a threat from Chelsea, who have a ‘strong interest’. The Blues are in direct contact with Bayer Leverkusen and are ready to meet their demand. However, there is no agreement in place with the youngster.

Saturday’s edition of Bild states Xabi Alonso contacted his former club to register interest in the player.

Kerim Alajbegović returned to the German club from Red Bull Salzburg, after the former exercised their buyback option. He is currently on a break and is scheduled to return to the club on Monday.

However, he may not return to Bayer Leverkusen at all. That’s because Bild states it’s ‘quite possible’ his transfer to Chelsea will go through this weekend.

Player’s decision on Chelsea pending

Recent claims from the UK have stated the west London club are serious. Kicker picks up on that and then shares their own updates.

The London club are not only keen but have also submitted an initial offer.

That includes over €30m in fixed fee rising to €40m with performances related bonuses.

Kicker explain negotiations between the clubs are ongoing for Kerim Alajbegović and ‘a swift agreement seems likely.’

Chelsea’s approach makes it difficult for his Italian suitors to sign him, also because Bayer Leverkusen are refusing to accept a fee below €30m.

Xabi Alonso & co. have to present a development plan, and Kicker believe this could include a loan move.

Kicker states: ‘Alajbegović had always ruled out such a move from Bayer to another club. But for the chance to join such a top club, the Bosnian would also consider a subsequent loan, though only to a club that itself competes at a high level.’

This indicates he could end up at Chelsea, if they plan ends up convincing the player.