Chelsea
Bayer Leverkusen youngster Kerim Alajbegovic is ‘on the verge’ of a move, with a choice between Chelsea and Juventus on the table.
BILD Rheinland cover the 18-year-old and how he’s set to leave the German club sooner rather than later.
Chelsea or Juventus?
The newspaper explains that while Kerim Alajbegovic joined Bayer Leverkusen for training yesterday, he won’t be staying for long.
The attacking midfielder is ‘on the verge’ of a transfer this summer. He actually has a choice to make between Chelsea and Juventus.
According to BILD’s information, Leverkusen could reach an agreement with either club. That agreement is the prerequisite for Alajbegovic to enter into concrete contract negotiations himself.
He already concluded talks regarding sporting prospects over the weekend. A report today insisted he had approved a move to London.
With Chelsea, the plan is to secure an immediate one-year loan to a club playing in the Europa League at least. He knows Xabi Alonso well after working with him at Leverkusen. Juventus are ‘enticing’ him with an immediate first-team role.
Chelsea offer more lucrative
But the Chelsea offer is more lucrative for Leverkusen. Chelsea are willing to pay €40m including bonuses. The offer from Turin is €35m.
So, the youngster has a decision to make. Does he head to Stamford Bridge, where he will be forced to bide his time and prove himself on loan. Or, does he go to Juventus and be given an immediate opportunity to earn his place in the first team.
Leverkusen are already planning what they can do with the cash. They’re also receiving €25m from Sunderland for Ernest Poku. They have significant funds to invest into their squad this summer.
PSG Ibrahim Mbaye is one of the names on their list. Sporting director Simon Rolfes is already scouring the market for the right profile.
The belief at the club, it seems, is that Kerim Alajbegovic is on his way out. The Bundesliga side are simply waiting for the youngster to make his choice.