Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly raised their asking price for Kerim Alajbegović to €35 million following interest from Chelsea, complicating efforts by Italian clubs to secure the Bosnia and Herzegovina teenager. The 18-year-old, who turns 19 in September, had initially been valued at €30 million.
According to reports, Atalanta have already submitted a bid worth €30 million including add-ons, while Milan, Roma and Fiorentina remain interested alongside Napoli and Juventus. Chelsea’s entry into the race has intensified competition for the attacking midfielder, who operates primarily on the flanks or in central attacking roles.
A year of movement
Alajbegović has experienced a turbulent twelve months. Leverkusen sold him to RB Salzburg for approximately €2 million last summer, only to trigger a buy-back clause months later and re-sign him for €8 million. During his spell in Austria, he contributed 13 goals and four assists across 44 matches.
His reputation extends to the international stage, where he became one of the youngest goalscorers in World Cup history with a strike for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Qatar. Despite limited senior club experience, this pedigree has attracted significant attention during the current transfer window.
The Alonso factor
Chelsea’s pursuit carries particular significance given manager Xabi Alonso’s history with the player. Alonso worked with Alajbegović during his Leverkusen tenure between October 2022 and May 2025, giving him direct insight into the teenager’s development through the academy. However, any move to Stamford Bridge depends on the club completing player sales first, leaving them in a monitoring phase rather than active negotiation.
Leverkusen’s willingness to sell stems partly from squad depth in Alajbegović’s preferred positions. The player is reportedly open to a transfer, creating an opportunity for clubs to secure a prospect who could command an even higher fee following further development.
Newcastle United have also been linked with the teenager previously, though they are currently understood to be prioritising other targets. With Leverkusen standing firm on their revised valuation, the next week will determine whether Serie A clubs can meet the asking price or if the Premier League side will formalise their interest once squad trimming allows.