Chelsea enter bidding war for €40m midfield prodigy Ardon Jashari amid AC Milan standoff. Chelsea have made an audacious entry into the fray to sign Swiss international midfielder Ardon Jashari. He is from Club Brugge, setting up a frenetic pursuit with AC Milan. The 23-year-old defensive mainstay is coming off a remarkable double Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year season in Belgium. He is now a key target for the Blues, who intend to meet the Brugge €40 million (£34m) price tag.
The Jashari Profile: A Meteoric Rise
Jashari’s journey with Club Brugge since signing in a 2024 deal with FC Luzern has been one for the ages. In his debut season, he began and played midfield in 52 matches (4 goals, 6 assists), helping Brugge win the Belgian Cup. Ardon Jashari finished second in the Pro League, and advance to the knockout round of the UEFA Champions League. It has been said that his technical quality and calmness in possession makes his defensive intelligence of an average of 2.3 tackles, 1.7 interceptions per match. Moreover, his passing progressive passing has drawn rave reviews. He now made history by winning all of the major individual awards in Belgium.
🇨🇭Ardon Jashari CM
🟢
• Calm & secure under pressure
• Dictates play with carries + short combinations
• Progressive passer
• Supports build-up fluently
• Intelligent positioning
⚠️
• Limited defensive output
• Discipline lapses, prone to cheap fouls
Technically sound 💎 pic.twitter.com/ptPDPthxuo
— Babbling Irons (@BabblingIrons) August 2, 2025
The Transfer Chessboard
AC Milan’s Pursuit Stalls: The Rossoneri submitted two bids that is peaking at €35 million (£30m). But refused to match Brugge’s €40m demand. Jashari has publicly prioritized Milan, even refusing to play for Brugge to force a move. Despite this, Milan now plans a third offer while eyeing alternatives like Granit Xhaka.
Chelsea’s Late Power Play: Leveraging financial muscle, Chelsea initiated direct talks with Jashari’s camp this week. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri confirmed the Blues “launched the move” and could pay the full €40m fee—unlike Milan. However, Jashari’s preference for Serie A complicates their approach.
Brugge’s Firm Stance: The Belgian club insists on €40m, capitalizing on Jashari’s soaring value after his award-winning season.
🚨🔊🌖 | 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Ardon Jashari will meet with Club Brugge’s owners this weekend to reiterate his stance — he has no intention of playing for the club ever again. ❌🇨🇭
A PROMISE was made: Brugge would accept an offer of €32.5M, but even #ACMilan’s €33.5M + bonuses hasn't… pic.twitter.com/7U8DZHvWh5
— Milan Xtra (@MilanXtra) August 1, 2025
Why Chelsea Want Jashari
Manager Enzo Maresca makes no secret of valuing the Swiss player as an adaptable midfield inducer to support Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo. Chelsea aims to put a competitive squad together for next season, especially with the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2025 and the continuing fight for the Champions League. Team depth is key. Jashari can disrupt player break games and turn a teams defensive momentum into offensive opportunity, which fits Magesca’s plan even if requires team gamble.
Yet, the pursuit raises eyebrows internally. Andrey Santos remains on Chelsea’s roster, and the club’s “hoarding policy” for young midfielders—evidenced by their parallel chase of Xavi Simons—has drawn scrutiny.
The Deciding Factors for Chelsea
1. Player Persuasion: Chelsea needs to convince Jashari that Stamford Bridge provides more of a defined pathway of development than Milan’s project does. Getting regular playing time and defining his role are must-haves for the Swiss star.
2. Financial Leverage: Milan’s next bid could provide whether Chelsea will consider exercise their €40 million “nuclear option.” Chelsea also has the opportunity to pay upfront which makes them more advantageous in negotiations with Brugge than Milan’s incremental payments.
3. Timeline Pressure: With preseason underway, both suitors want to end the saga by mid-August. Brugge is also keen to know where they stand so that they can identify replacements.
What’s Next?
As the standoff intensifies, Chelsea’s urgency could force Milan’s hand. If the Rossoneri fail with their improved bid, the Blues are positioned to pounce—though Jashari’s resistance remains a wildcard. For now, however, the Swiss maestro’s future hangs in the balance, emblematic of a transfer window where talent, ambition, and financial might collide at the €40m crossroads.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Recommended for you