Chelsea have lodged an opening bid worth over €30 million for Bayer Leverkusen youngster Kerim Alajbegovic as the Blues step up their pursuit of the highly rated 18-year-old.
Chelsea have made their opening move for Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Kerim Alajbegovic, submitting an initial offer worth more than €30 million for the highly rated attacking midfielder.
The Premier League side’s proposal reportedly includes a guaranteed transfer fee exceeding €30 million, although Bayer Leverkusen are holding out for a package worth closer to €40 million once performance-related bonuses are included.
Negotiations between the two clubs are progressing positively, raising hopes that an agreement could be reached quickly. However, Chelsea have not yet begun formal discussions over personal terms with the 18-year-old or his representatives.
🚨🔵 Chelsea are in contact with Bayer Leverkusen for Kerim Alajbegović, talks ongoing.
Understand there’s no £34m bid, talks are at lower fee at present and Italian clubs are still involved in the race.
Alajbegović yet to decide his future with Italian clubs and #CFC keen. pic.twitter.com/mM2bDtAuG8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2026
Alajbegovic is currently training individually in Bosnia and Herzegovina while awaiting further developments. He remains due to report for Bayer Leverkusen’s pre-season preparations on Monday, although an imminent breakthrough in negotiations could change those plans.
The teenager appears determined to leave Leverkusen before making a senior appearance for the club. He has reportedly submitted a transfer request despite only recently returning to Germany after Bayer exercised an €8 million buyback clause following his impressive spell with RB Salzburg.
Leverkusen originally sold the Cologne-born midfielder to Salzburg for around €2 million in 2025 before bringing him back just a year later. Should Chelsea eventually meet the Bundesliga club’s valuation, Leverkusen would secure a substantial profit within weeks of re-signing the youngster.
Chelsea’s interest has placed them firmly ahead of several Serie A rivals. Atalanta have already seen an opening bid rejected, while Napoli and Juventus continue monitoring the situation, but the Blues are currently viewed as favourites to complete the transfer.
Alongside their pursuit of Alajbegovic, Chelsea continue to assess several other transfer targets as Xabi Alonso reshapes his squad. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott remains on the club’s shortlist, while free-agent defender John Stones has also emerged as a potential experienced addition following the expiration of his Manchester City contract.
💣 🚨🔵 EXCL: Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with John Stones.
Xabi Alonso has personally approved the move, believing Stones’ experience, composure and tactical intelligence would immediately elevate Chelsea’s back line.
The player is understood to be open to… pic.twitter.com/bRj8bSJRW6
— The Chelsea Hub💙 (@TheChelseaHubs) July 23, 2026
