Why Ali Akman would be a great long-term signing for Chelsea
According to Daily Mail (h/t Football.london), Chelsea are in the race to sign the highly talented Bursaspor youngster Ali Akman. It is being said that a £3million bid could be enough to prise away the starlet during this transfer window given his contract is up in 6 months’ time. Arsenal are also said to be in the hunt for Akman.
Profile
Ali Akman is an 18-year-old Turkish centre-forward who plays for Turkish side Bursaspor. He started his youth career at Inegolspor in 2013. After 2 years, he moved on to Bursaspor to continue his development.
Within two years, he was promoted to the U-16 side. However, he was fast-tracked to the first-team after just a year in the U-16s. So far, he has made 43 appearances for the Turkish side, scoring 13 and assisting another 5 (h/t Transfermarkt).
It is this season that Akman has come of age with his performances. He has already bagged 9 goals and 3 assists in just 16 games. Akman is currently a part of the Turkey U-21 side after progressing through the ranks.
Akman can be a signing for the future at Chelsea
Given Chelsea spent a staggering amount in the summer window, bringing in a bevvy of players, it really doesn’t look like they need anymore signings. The likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell all arrived for big money. That has left Chelsea with an oversized squad at this point.
Nonetheless, Chelsea have a tendency to find the best possible young talents across the world and sign them. Ali Akman falls under the same category. The Turkish striker came to the fore this season with his goal-scoring exploits. Despite the young age, he has shown immense ability with his scoring and playmaking.
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Yes, Chelsea already have three forwards in their lineup – Werner, Abraham and Giroud. However, Akman wouldn’t be a signing for now. He would be one for the future.
At £3million, he looks like a real bargain deal in the market and Chelsea would do well to move ahead of their London rivals, Arsenal, for Akman’s signature.
