Chelsea are reportedly one of three clubs tracking the progress of highly-rated German wonderkid Lazar Samardzic.
The Hertha Berlin prodigy is attracting the attention of Serie A duo AC Milan and Juventus, as well as the Blues.
Attacking midfielder Samardzic has progressed through Hertha’s youth ranks. And despite breaking into the first team this season, he is now looking to leave the club.
The 18-year-old has made three Bundesliga appearances this term. But he has not featured since a 4-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in June, during which he came on as a first-half substitute but was then taken off again after the break.
According to Bild, via the Daily Express, Chelsea and AC Milan have both made offers to Samardzic’s agent to snatch the unhappy star.
The report adds that Hertha ‘must seriously address the player’s wishes’. That is despite Samardzic being under contract until 2024.
Hertha sporting director Michael Preetz does not want to lose the young talent but may have no choice in the matter.
Samardzic is represented by Marko Naletilic, who also looks after Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric.
And the agent is likely to be seeking talks with Preetz over his client’s future. Particularly given the reported interest from Chelsea and Milan.
The youngster has scored 14 goals and added nine assists in 16 appearances in the U19-Bundesliga Nord-Nordost this season.
Samardzic has the ability to play as a N0. 10 or out wide and is also a current Germany Under-19 international.
