Chelsea set to miss out on Austrian midfielder Konrad Laimer as Bayern edge closer
According to German journalist Christian Falk (h/t Express), Chelsea are set to miss out on RB Leipzig and Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer as he wants to play for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Chelsea, along with Liverpool had an eye to make a move for the 25-year-old in the January window, but the player would rather move to Bayern for free next summer when his contract with Leipzig expires.
The Austrian international’s contract situation was the main attraction for several European clubs to try and sign him. But, he is adamant about staying in Germany itself.
Laimer is a versatile midfield player who can play in any position across the central region and operate as a right-back too. He is a proper squad player who does well in most of the positions he is asked to play.
The 25-year-old arrived in Leipzig from sister club Salzburg five years ago. He has had an injury-hit season so far, with a ligament tear suffered in September set to keep him out of action till the New Year (Transfermarkt). Fortunately, Austria did not qualify for the World Cup for him to miss it.
We know by now that Chelsea would need multiple additions to the midfield department in the upcoming transfer windows. N’Golo Kante and Jorginho’s contracts expire at the end of this season, and they have not signed an extension yet.
Moreover, the likes of Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek haven’t made full use of the opportunities given to them this season.
Laimer could have been a great addition with regard to the energy and versatility he can bring. The best part about signing him would have been the cut-price nature of the deal due to the player’s contract situation.
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The Blues would now need to look at other options. It’s a shame because there are not many midfielders you can get in the market on a potential free transfer than Laimer.
