Hoffenheim managing director Andreas Schicker has revealed that several clubs are in “talks” to sign reported Chelsea target Fisnik Asllani.
The Blues, Tottenham and Barcelona have all been credited with an interest in the Kosovan international over the past few months, and he is believed to have a €30m (£26m) buyout fee in his contract.
Speaking to Kicker (quotes via Goal), Schicker confirmed the existence of the release clause, and the fact that more than one team is pursuing his signature:
“The situation is that there are talks with clubs both domestically and abroad. It’s also no secret that Asllani has a release clause.”
Chelsea are not looking to sign a striker
Asllani scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 35 appearances for Hoffenheim in all competitions last season, which is not a bad return whatsoever.
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Some may raise doubts about Xabi Alonso’s side making a move for the 23-year-old, considering the club already have too many centre-forwards.
Alonso currently has five at his disposal, including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Emmanuel Emegha and Marc Guiu.
It’s expected that Guiu and one of Delap, Jackson or Emegha will be sent packing before the transfer window closes.
Asllani could be the club’s alternative to Rogers
The Athletic claim that while the Blues do still retain an interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, there is now an acceptance that he may end up moving elsewhere.
Even so, the recruitment team is believed to be “evaluating” other options, with the focus being placed on a “ready-made, versatile forward”.
Asllani could well fit the criteria. He may have played the majority of senior games as a striker, but he has been deployed as a no.10 and on the left wing during his career. You can make an argument for him playing in one of the two hybrid forward roles which Alonso likes to have in his front three – either side of his no.9.