Chelsea have opened talks over a move to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Germany international Karim Adeyemi in the summer, according to reports.
The 24-year-old attacker is about to enter the final year of his contract at Dortmund, and while there is a new offer on the table, Adeyemi is stalling a decision. His agents are requesting a massive pay increase.
That, and a new release clause. According to German site Fussball Daten, Adeyemi – who is represented by Jorge Mendes’ agency Gestifute – wants a release clause worth £70m inserted into his new contract.
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But come the summer, there is a growing feeling that Dortmund may decide to cash in on the versatile forward, who can play on either flank or up front. He has had a hand in 15 goals for Dortmund this term.
Chelsea open talks to sign Adeyemi, but they’re not alone
The report states that Chelsea are furthest along among the clubs interested in signing Adeyemi. Still only 24, the German star is already vastly experienced – approaching 300 senior games for club and country.
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Chelsea are supposedly in talks to land Adeyemi this summer, but Manchester United and Newcastle are also deemed viable destinations. Dortmund feel like Adeyemi could be their biggest source of income.
Whether a new contract is sorted for Adeyemi before the start of the summer window remains to be seen. But if he doesn’t sign on the dotted line, Chelsea are poised and waiting to raid Dortmund once again.
It is certainly not the first time the two clubs have been involved before. Even this season, Jamie Gittens joined Chelsea for £55m, while there was some ‘beef’ between the two clubs regarding Aaron Anselmino.
Karim Adeyemi would be Chelsea’s second-fastest player
According to the report, Adeyemi is the fourth-fastest Bundesliga player with a recorded speed of 35.78 km/h this season. An incredible amount of pace that would surely suit Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea outfit.
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Where that puts him in the Chelsea rankings for speed is impressive, too. Pedro Neto remains Chelsea’s fastest player, having recorded a speed north of 36 km/h this season during a counter against Man City.
Mykhailo Mudryk remains on the books at Chelsea and has recorded 35.95 km/h in a Chelsea shirt. But the Ukraine star is still sidelined with a ban. Almost as quick as Mudryk, Adeyemi would be a top signing.
It is not the first time Chelsea have been linked with Adeyemi, either. Indeed, earlier this season, The Chelsea Chronicle understands that the club sent scouts to watch Adeyemi, among other Dortmund stars.
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