Manchester City are reportedly leading Chelsea in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund’s highly rated 17-year-old attacking midfielder Mathis Albert.
Albert made his Dortmund debut last season and is expected to play a more prominent role in the German club’s first team during the current campaign. His progress has attracted interest from several leading European sides.
City are understood to have established themselves as the favourites after showing strong interest in the summer. A potential deal could be worth around €20 million, although Dortmund are keen to keep the United States international.
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation, setting up the possibility of a wider transfer battle for the teenager’s signature.
Manchester City’s position could affect Mathis Albert transfer
Despite their current advantage, City’s pursuit of Albert could be affected by the club’s ongoing legal situation. They were recently found guilty of the vast majority of 115 financial charges, a verdict they are appealing.
If that ruling stands, City could face a significant punishment, potentially including a transfer ban or a points deduction severe enough to make relegation inevitable.
Such consequences could weaken City’s position in the Mathis Albert transfer race and encourage Chelsea or other interested clubs to make a stronger challenge. The teenager is expected to have a number of options if he does not ultimately move to the Etihad Stadium.
