Chelsea are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal to sign Kerim Alajbegovic, an 18-year-old player who has yet to make his senior debut for the German club.
Alajbegovic spent last season at Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored 13 goals and registered four assists, and has also attracted interest from AC Milan and Atalanta. Chelsea are now on the verge of finalizing a deal worth €40 million (£34.1m) with Leverkusen.
The report adds that Chelsea are in direct negotiations with Leverkusen, with a deal potentially being finalized by the end of the weekend. Xabi Alonso, the Blues' manager, is understood to have been impressed by Alajbegovic during his time in Leverkusen's youth system.
Alajbegovic, who primarily plays on the left wing, has international experience after starting three games for Bosnia and Herzegovina during the World Cup. He also scored a brilliant solo effort in a 3-1 win over Qatar in the group stage.
Alajbegovic was signed by Red Bull Salzburg for €2m (£1.7m) last year, but Leverkusen activated their €8m (£6.8m) buyback clause in March. The deal for Alajbegovic would be a significant investment for Chelsea, who are also finalizing a £52m move to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.
