Alonso pushing Chelsea to hijack Atalanta’s move for Kerim Alajbegovic | OneFootball

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, according to Bosnian outlet Faktor.

Chelsea are looking to sign a new left winger this summer following Jamie Gittens’ and Alejandro Garnacho’s struggles last season.

They are prepared to sell Garnacho, potentially allowing them to sign a new left-sided attacker.

Chelsea have now identified Alajbegovic as a target, but face competition from Atalanta.

Atalanta had been leading the race to sign Alajbegovic, but negotiations have reportedly stalled due to Chelsea’s interest in the Bosnian forward.

According to Faktor, manager Xabi Alonso is pushing the Blues to sign the 18-year-old.

Alajbegovic, who came through Leverkusen’s youth ranks, trained with the first team under Alonso and was included in several matchday squads, but did not make his professional debut.

He made his first team debut at RB Salzburg after joining the Austrian side on a permanent deal last summer. He scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 games last season.

Alajbegovic also represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He scored the only goal in their 3-1 victory over Qatar, winning the man-of-the-match award.

Alajbegovic has since rejoined Leverkusen, but he could leave the German side again after attracting interest from several clubs.

The Germany-born youngster is a direct, versatile and dynamic winger, who also has the ability to deliver in the final third.

Despite his attributes, Chelsea could be taking a huge risk by signing him due to his inexperience.

The west London side may be better served by signing a more experienced winger to improve their attacking options.

They have been linked with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville, although the duo are expected to move elsewhere.

Stats from Transfermarkt