Chelsea are currently in the pole position to sign AIK forward Alexander Isak, after Real Madrid’s offer of £7m for the youngster got rejected. Los Blancos were leading the race to sign the 17-year-old, ahead of Bayern Munich, West Ham, and Chelsea, but AIK flatly rejected their bid. Consequently, Chelsea are believed to have edged ahead in the race to sign the player.
Isak, who is often dubbed as the new Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has caught the sights of a host of clubs the likes of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain along with Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and the Hammers. With the bid from Los Blancos being rejected Chelsea have forced themselves ahead in the queue and are keen on securing the youngster’s signature in January.
A product of AIK, the local club he joined at the age of six, the Swede made his senior debut for AIK in February 2016, coming in as a 75th-minute substitute during the Swedish cup against Tenhults IF (fourth tier club), contributing with one goal in the 6-0 victory. Since his debut in February the young forward has scored 13 goals in 29 appearances.
Isak has been dubbed as the new Zlatan Ibrahimovic because of the combination of physical and technical qualities he possesses. The young forward has an impressive physical characteristic for a 17-year-old, standing at 6ft 3inches, due to which he is able to withstand the combative nature of the Swedish League.
Another impressive quality of Swede is the calmness he exudes in the face of the goal. Isak is good in aerial duels and shows a variety of finishes, which is a rare occurrence for a player at just 17. The youngster’s style of play makes him similar to the Legendary striker currently playing for Manchester United.
The same characteristics have resulted in interest from the top clubs in the youngster’s development.
While Chelsea are set to start the negotiations for the player’s move in January when the transfer window reopens, Isak, however, will have to fight tooth and nail for a place in the first team at the Bridge, if the Blues succeed in securing his signature. With Diego Costa a favourite under manager Antonio Conte, and Michy Batshuayi, who joined the Blues during the summer, yet to start a premier league game.
Although the Vikings are expected to come back with an improved offer for the 17-year-old, the Blues seem confident that they can beat their rivals in their pursuit of the next “Zlatan Ibrahimovic”.
