Chelsea transfer news: Blues join Barcelona in the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s teenage star Atakan Akkaynak
The 18-year-old defensive midfielder is one of the brightest prospects in Germany and is being tracked by Antonio Conte and Ernesto Valverde
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CHELSEA have joined Barcelona in the hunt to nab Bayer Leverkusen's teenage midfielder Atakan Akkaynak, according to reports.
The 18-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for the Bundesliga club, but is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Germany.
According to , the Blues - as well as Serie A side Roma - have begun following the defensive midfielder to rival La Liga outfit Barca for his signature.
The Copa del Rey champions have sent scouts to watch the German youth international for over a year, and had been leading the chase for Akkaynak.
He has been promoted to the Under-19 squad for the national side, having been the captain at both U-17 and U-18 levels.
And he made his debut for Meikel Schonweitz's men in a recent 0-0 draw with Switzerland - having rejected the opportunity to represent Turkey.
Leverkusen are desperate to tie him down to a long-term contract at the BayArena - with his current deal due to expire in 2019.
So far this season, Akkaynak has featured in five games for Die Werkself's U-19 side - providing an assist in the 1-0 win over Bielefeld.
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A first team appearance could be on the horizon before the end of 2017, with the youngster training with the senior side this campaign.
Heralded for his defensive duties on the pitch, he could be seen as Nemanja Matic's replacement at Chelsea after he left to join Manchester United for £40million.
While fellow midfielders at Stamford Bridge - Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah were shipped off to Crystal Palace and Watford respectively.
