AS Roma are ready to rival Chelsea for the signing of Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Kerim Alajbegovic, and the Serie A giants are receiving help from a very surprising source.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is enjoying a remarkable breakout season in Austria. Leverkusen sold Alajbegovic to RB Salzburg last summer, which has proved the ideal next step for the teenager.
The 18-year-old has netted 12 goals across all competitions, while providing four assists. The young winger has also starred for his country, recently helping them qualify for the World Cup after setting up a goal against Wales and converting penalties in back-to-back shootouts.
His explosion has been so remarkable that Leverkusen quickly moved to trigger their €8 million buy-back clause. Alajbegovic will return to the Bundesliga side this summer, but that does not guarantee that he will stay.
His performances have attracted widespread interest, and Leverkusen are not entirely averse to selling him for a quick profit (again). Reports from his home country recently suggested that Chelsea have held talks over a potential €30m move.
Roma chase Alajbegovic deal
However, AS Roma are also firmly in the race for Alajbegovic’s signature. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, club director Ricky Massara views the youngster as a key target for the summer.
The report also suggests that Alajbegovic may not be as expensive as previously claimed. Leverkusen, it is asserted, would already be prepared to sell the teenager for €20m.
That is not a trifling fee for Roma, who have had to be careful about their finances in recent times, but it is one they could afford to pay. Interestingly, the Giallorossi’s efforts may be aided by former player Miralem Pjanic.
The ex-Barcelona star recently retired after a spell at CSKA Moscow and is now “acting as a special intermediary.” As shared in a picture on social media, Pjanic recently met with Alajbegovic’s father, Semin.
The outlet posits that this could give Roma an advantage. The 36-year-old will surely put in a good word for the club he made 185 appearances for across a five-year spell in the early and mid-2010s.
It is acknowledged that this is a difficult operation for Roma, not just because of the price but also because of the widespread interest in Alajbegovic. They want to be fast and are hoping that Pjanic can help. AC Milan and Napoli have also enquired about the 18-year-old.
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