Juventus have agreed a €40 million (£34.2m) deal to sign Kerim Alajbegovic from Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports in Germany. The Serie A side have beaten Chelsea to the transfer of the 18-year-old winger, who was also a target for Xabi Alonso's side.
Transfer details
Sky Germany reports that Juventus have agreed an initial €33m (£28.2m) fee with Leverkusen for Alajbegovic, which could rise to €40m (£34.2m) after add-ons. Chelsea had hoped to reach an agreement with Leverkusen over the weekend, but Juventus moved quickly to secure the deal.
Alajbegovic's background
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is yet to make his senior debut for Leverkusen and spent last season at Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored 13 goals and registered four assists. Alajbegovic was signed by Red Bull Salzburg for €2m (£1.7m) last year, but Leverkusen activated their €8m (£6.8m) buyback clause in March.
Alajbegovic started three games at the World Cup this summer as Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in Group B and then lost to the United States in the round of 32. He also scored a brilliant solo goal in the 3-1 win over Qatar in the group stage.
Chelsea's interest
Xabi Alonso is understood to have been impressed by Alajbegovic during his time in Leverkusen's youth system and the Chelsea manager was directly involved in convincing the teenager to move to Stamford Bridge. However, Juventus' agreement with Leverkusen has ended Chelsea's hopes.
