Chelsea endured a disappointing 2025-26 Premier League campaign as they finished 10th and missed out on European football.
After a difficult season, the Blues appointed Xabi Alonso and have started rebuilding their squad during the summer transfer window.
Chelsea have already agreed a British-record £117 million deal with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers this summer.
Also, the Blues signed Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47 million and added Portuguese winger Geovany Quenda to their squad.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have generated significant money through the departures of Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos and Tyrique George.
However, Alonso is still looking to strengthen his attacking options as Chelsea prepare for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
The Blues have now turned their attention towards another young attacker following an impressive breakout campaign and World Cup.
According to Faktor, Chelsea have submitted an offer to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacker Kerim Alajbegovic this summer.
The 18-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 campaign while playing for Red Bull Salzburg, registering 17 goal contributions across all competitions.
Alajbegovic made 44 appearances during the season and scored nine goals while providing three assists in the Austrian Bundesliga.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international then continued his impressive form during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He scored a spectacular long-range goal against Qatar as Bosnia secured their first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout stage.
At 18 years and 276 days, Alajbegovic became the youngest player since 1966 to score from outside the box at a World Cup.
Bayer Leverkusen have since triggered an €8 million option to bring the teenager back from Red Bull Salzburg.
However, the German club are open to selling Alajbegovic immediately and are demanding around €30 million for his signature.
Chelsea could also face competition, with Atalanta preparing an offer while Arsenal and Newcastle United have made enquiries.
Now, Chelsea must decide whether to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s valuation after submitting an offer for the highly-rated Bosnian attacker.
🚨 Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is pushing to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kerim Alajbegovic.
Chelsea’s interest in the 18-year-old has disrupted his proposed move to Atalanta.
Alajbegovic’s switch to the Italian club has now been put on hold as Chelsea pursue a deal.… pic.twitter.com/IOAJ3yLiri
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 19, 2026
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