Kerim Alajbegović
Chelsea and Atalanta are battling for Bayer Leverkusen’s Kerim Alajbegović, and the Premier League side need to step up to win the race.
In April, we relayed news Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa were all keen.
Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from Bosnia that Xabi Alonso has requested the Blues sign the 18-year-old.
Chelsea interest is a concern for Atalanta
TuttoMercatoWeb cover La Dea’s ongoing pursuit and what’s stopping them from signing him.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has said yes to the Serie A side, who have to agree terms with Bayer Leverkusen.
Atalanta have made an offer lower than the one presented by an unnamed Premier League side. TMW make no mention of the fees proposed.
The Bundesliga side have no intention of offering discounts on the €30m price.
La Dea want to sign him for a lower fee, and insert bonuses related to both his individual and team performances. They may not be successful considering there’s a better offer from a competitor.
Bayer Leverkusen are not in a rush and are aiming for a bidding war. Meanwhile, Kerim Alajbegović wants to keep his word, given to the Italian club, and that could be a concern for Chelsea.
Bosnian update on Chelsea
Faktor relay TMW’s report and insists Chelsea are the unnamed Premier League side who have made an offer.
Although the attacker favours Maurizio Sarri’s side, they have to improve their offer to find an agreement the German club. Until then, the Premier League side can work behind the scenes to convince Kerim Alajbegović to join them.
Last summer, Bayer Leverkusen sold him to Red Bull Salzburg, and he managed 13 goals and four assists for the Austrian club. He’s attracted interest from multiple clubs, but Faktor state only Chelsea and Atalanta are now fighting.
The German club have activated the buyback clause and are willing to sell the attacker for €30m this summer.
Key transfer points
Xabi Alonso asks Chelsea to sign Alajbegović
Bosnian said yes to La Dea, wants to keep his word
Atalanta haven’t come close to Bayer’s €30m price
Lack of agreement gives Blues hope of signing
🇧🇷 Denner | Exclusive: Player travelling to England next week to complete Chelsea transfer
✈️ Flying for final transfer process in the coming dayshttps://t.co/FgmtcZ7oKk #cfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 16, 2026