Chelsea to battle Manchester United and Bayern Munich to sign 6'5" Swedish wonderkid: Reports
Chelsea are interested in signing 16-year-old striker Jonah Kusi-Asare from Swedish club AIK, HITC reports. The teenager has been the subject of interest from other top European clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich as well.
Kusi-Asare, who stands at an imposing 6'5", has impressed many top clubs with his performances for AIK and the Sweden U17 national team. He has already made four appearances for AIK in the Swedish top-flight, the Allsvenskan.
In his debut for the Swedish U17 team, he scored all three goals in Sweden's 3-2 win against Moldova in UEFA U17 Euros qualifying.
Since their change in ownership, Chelsea have shown a great tendency to invest in the future, snapping up a whole host of young talent. Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Moises Caicedo headline a list of 19 U23 players that the Blues have signed in the last two seasons.
Manchester United are also interested in expanding their arsenal of young stars with the addition of Kusi-Asare. The likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo are key members of the first team squad already, and the Swedish striker could be another great inclusion.
Christopher Michel of fussball.news also reports that Bayern Munich could be interested in adding Kusi-Asare to their squad and have already tabled a bid for him. Considering the fact that they have Harry Kane up top, Bayern do not have a pressing need for a striker at the moment.
However, with 18-year-old Mathys Tel waiting in the wings, the 16-year-old might be the perfect target man for them to pair alongside Tel in their long-term plans.
AIK are willing to part ways with Kusi-Asare for the right price. With Chelsea willing to spend the big bucks, we may just see a move to Stamford Bridge for the Swedish wonderkid this window.
Chelsea complete signing of young Jamaican forward Dujuan Richards
Chelsea have secured their first move of the January transfer window, announcing the signing of teenage striker Dujuan Richards from the Phoenix Academy in Kingston.
Richards had agreed a pre-contract deal with the Blues in March 2023, with the player due to join them after turning 18, which he did last November. He also trained with Mauricio Pochettino's squad during their pre-season tour of the USA last year.
Speaking about his move to Stamford Bridge, Richards told Chelsea's official website:
"I’m so pleased to be here. My dream was always to sign a professional contract and to have the chance to do that here at Chelsea, it’s difficult to put into words the emotions. I just can’t wait to get started."
Richards had also previously gone on trial with Newcastle United but the Blues snapped him up before the Magpies could make a permanent move.