Premier League giants Chelsea have entered the race to sign Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Kosovo international signed his first professional contract with the German club in 2020, but spent several seasons on loan away from the club in search of regular playing minutes.
The 23-year-old then enjoyed a breakthrough campaign during one of his loan spells with SV Elversberg in the German second division last season, scoring 19 goals across all competitions.
Asllani has carried that momentum into the current campaign with Hoffenheim, where he has already contributed eight goals and seven assists across all competitions.
Despite being under contract at the club until 2029, the forward has a release clause of around €35 million, which has placed several European heavyweights on high alert, and he could leave the club at the end of the season.
According to TeamTalk, Chelsea have now emerged as a strong contender to land the in-demand striker in the summer.
The Blues are keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the upcoming campaign, particularly with Liam Delap expected to leave after a difficult debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, could also leave the club permanently in the summer, leaving room for the addition of a new forward to provide competition for Joao Pedro.
However, Chelsea will face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa for the signature of the 23-year-old, while European heavyweights Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also been keeping tabs on the striker.
Asllani fits Chelsea’s profile and will be a solid addition to the squad, giving him the opportunity to compete at the top-level and a summer move looks increasingly likely given his affordable release clause.
