Chelsea are reportedly keeping a close eye on Bayer Leverkusen forward Kerim Alajbegovic, according to a report from The Athletic.
The Blues overhauled their left flank last year, purchasing Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United and Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund to strengthen their attacking options.
Garnacho failed to deliver the expected impact at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea have since allowed him to join Aston Villa on loan this summer.
That loan arrangement with Villa reportedly includes a conditional obligation to buy, signalling that Garnacho’s time as a Chelsea player could effectively be over.
Gittens endured a difficult debut season due to fitness problems but showed encouraging signs against Western Sydney Wanderers in Chelsea’s opening pre-season fixture.
Chelsea have already moved to strengthen their forward line further this summer, bringing in Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa ahead of the new campaign.
Despite that addition, The Athletic reports that Chelsea retain a strong interest in Alajbegovic and have been monitoring his development closely over recent months.
Leverkusen are working to finalise a deal for the 18-year-old at a fee of up to £26m, though they face competition from other clubs tracking the teenager.
Alajbegovic came through Leverkusen’s academy before joining Red Bull Salzburg permanently without making a first-team appearance for the German club.
He thrived during his time in the Austrian Bundesliga, scoring 13 goals and registering four assists across all competitions last season, totalling 17 goal contributions.
The youngster also demonstrated his quality on the international stage for Bosnia and Herzegovina, prompting Leverkusen to move to bring him back this summer.
Alajbegovic is described as a 6ft 1in right-footed left-winger who is comfortable on either foot, with pace, technical ability, and a knack for scoring from distance.
Chelsea view the teenager as a player for the future rather than an immediate first-team option, meaning any deal would be a long-term investment rather than a quick fix.
With Rogers and Gittens already in the squad and no European football on the horizon next season, the need for another left-winger at Stamford Bridge is not pressing.
Whether Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side will push to secure Alajbegovic’s future this summer remains to be seen, with Chelsea watching developments closely.