Konrad Laimer of Leipzig in action against Liverpool. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Chelsea look set to miss out on RB Leipzig and Austrian midfielder Konrad Laimer, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg (h/t Football. London).
The Blues have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old as Graham Potter looks to add reinforcements in the middle of the park in his first transfer window at Stamford Bridge.
However, the west London club are not the only one interested in the Austrian international. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also in the race for the midfielder, with the German side currently leading the race.
Potter needs to add reinforcements to his midfield. N’Golo Kante has been out on the sidelines with an injury and has featured only twice this season for the club. Jorginho is in his 30s and past his prime, with the midfielders seeing their contract expire next summer.
Mateo Kovacic has struggled to stay fit throughout the season, while loanee Denis Zakaria has struggled for game time. Conor Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka are the only young midfielders in the team who could be considered to have a long future at the club.
Laimer, who sees his contract expire next summer, has missed most of the season due to injury. The 25-year-old has only played in six games in all competitions for the German side this season.
If the Austrian can become fit before January, it would then make sense for the Blues to pursue a deal for him. It would be unwise to bring in an injured player just because he is about to hit his prime age and sees his contract expire next summer.
Apart from him, the west London club are also interested in hot young prospect Jude Bellingham. The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder has interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City too, making him one of the most sought-after players in Europe currently.
It remains to be seen if the Blues can bring in any new midfielders this winter. With the second half of the season congested with fixtures, reinforcements will be needed and fans would hope to see the club be proactive in that regard.
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