As reported by Football London, Chelsea will face competition from Bayern Munich in the race to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer as his contract expires next summer.
Bayern is the front-runner in the race but, Chelsea is also competing for his services. When Ralf Rangnick was Manchester United’s manager, the 25-year-old was linked with a move to Old Trafford. However, since Erik ten Hag took over in the summer, he hasn’t been linked with the Red Devils.
The central midfielder can also play on either flank as a fullback or defensive midfielder. Emmanuel Petit, a former Chelsea midfielder, compared his style to that of current Blues sensation N’Golo Kante.
Kante, who has one year left on his Stamford Bridge contract, could leave the team as a free agent next summer. If Chelsea is successful in acquiring Laimer before Bayern, he may very possibly serve as his immediate successor. Not just Kante, but Chelsea midfielder Jorginho’s future is also in doubt. The Italian international’s contract with the club is also about to expire, and due to the player’s demand, negotiations to extend it have come to a standstill.
Therefore, a midfield makeover is necessary, regardless of what happens with Jorginho’s contract. Laimer possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to fill the position with dignity both on and off the field.
The key question is if Chelsea can defeat Bayern in this competition because the German champions typically have the upper hand when acquiring elite players from other Bundesliga clubs.
