Kerim Alajbegović

Alajbegović slips away: loyal to Atalanta despite Arsenal and Chelsea

The 18-year-old Bosnian winger (Bayer Leverkusen), a breakout star of Bosnia and Herzegovina's World Cup run (scorer against Qatar), is drawing interest from several European clubs. Arsenal, exploring left-wing options behind Rogers/Barcola/Tzolis, have held talks with his representatives via Andrea Berta. Manchester United also interested. Several sources currently place him closer to an Italian club, however.

Latest development

Several outlets converge (FootballTransfers, TeamTalk, ArsenalStation, Sports Mole, ReadArsenal, July 1-5): Berta has met/contacted the player's representatives, seen as an alternative to Rogers/Barcola/Tzolis for the left wing. No bid or club-to-club agreement. Sports Mole (July 5) reports Arsenal and Man United are currently behind a trio of Italian clubs seen as further along in this race. No Arsenal-side fee confirmed — figures ranging from £19m to £35m have been floated depending on the source, to be treated with caution. **UPDATE July 21**: the lead closes. Per Tuttomercatoweb (relayed by FootballTransfers), the player 'does not intend to break his word' to Atalanta and waves off Chelsea's late move — Atalanta have yet to match Leverkusen's ~€30m asking price but retain his commitment. Arsenal, already placed behind the Italian clubs, are effectively out. Status lowered to REFROIDI. **UPDATE Aug 12**: consistency fixed, the file was already rated cold but still displayed as an open interest.