Chelsea & Bayer Leverkusen Enter Race to Sign €40m Ardon Jashari

AC Milan Hold Firm, but Delay Opens the Door for Premier League and Bundesliga Rivals

It’s the transfer story that refuses to go quietly — and now, with the Premier League and Bundesliga getting involved, the battle for Ardon Jashari is heating up fast.

What began as a near-formality between AC Milan and Club Brugge has now taken a sharp twist, with Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen swooping in after Milan’s hesitation to meet the full €40 million valuation placed on the Swiss international midfielder.

Jashari, just 22 years old, is one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in European football. After a sensational season that saw him crowned Belgian Pro League Player of the Year, it was no surprise to see clubs lining up for his signature. But what’s caught everyone off guard is Milan’s stubbornness — and how it’s threatening to derail the whole deal.

What Happened to AC Milan’s Lead in the Ardon Jashari Deal?

When Milan first opened talks with Club Brugge, it looked like a match made in heaven. The player was keen, Milan had room in midfield, and the Italian giants were ready to invest in youth.

Jashari himself was reportedly fully committed to the Rossoneri project. He even rejected interest from rivals Inter out of loyalty and personal preference for Milan. But football, as we all know, waits for no one.

Club Brugge have been consistent from day one: they want €40 million. No more, no less. Milan, however, came in with a package worth €33.5m up front, with €4.5m in bonuses — effectively reaching the total fee but structured in a way that left Brugge unconvinced.

The lack of urgency from Milan, coupled with Brugge CEO Bob Madou’s firm stance, has created a vacuum — one that Chelsea and Leverkusen have been only too happy to fill.

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Chelsea & Bayer Leverkusen Make Contact

According to Calciomercato, both Chelsea and Leverkusen have now contacted Ardon Jashari directly to gauge his interest in a move elsewhere, should the Milan deal collapse. And while the Swiss midfielder’s priority remains Milan, the new suitors offer compelling projects of their own.

At Chelsea, Ardon Jashari could be a perfect fit in a squad that has already embraced young, dynamic talent under the guidance of Enzo Maresca. With question marks over the long-term roles of players like Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernández, a versatile all-action midfielder like Jashari could quickly find his way into the lineup.

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen project — fresh off a Bundesliga title-winning season — presents an entirely different kind of appeal. Leverkusen play exciting, expansive football, and with European ambitions in full swing, they’re seen as a destination club for developing stars.

Both clubs are said to be willing to meet the €40m valuation, which puts added pressure on Milan to either step up — or step away.

The Bigger Picture: A Test of Milan’s Transfer Philosophy

Milan’s refusal to go all in for Ardon Jashari isn’t about not liking the player — far from it. Sources close to the club say sporting director Igli Tare is still optimistic the deal can be done. But the Rossoneri hierarchy are keen to maintain financial discipline after several years of more measured spending.

The stance is admirable in principle. But in today’s hyper-competitive transfer market, hesitation often proves costly. Milan’s slowness has turned a one-horse race into a multi-club showdown — and if they aren’t careful, they could lose a player who was theirs to sign weeks ago.

Club Brugge have shown no intention of budging. They’ve already left Ardon Jashari out of the Belgian Super Cup and the opening two league matches, and he’s not expected to feature against Mechelen either. They’re holding firm, clearly waiting for the right buyer to meet their demands.

Club Brugge Play Hardball — and Why Not?

There’s no denying that Club Brugge are in a position of power here. With three years left on his contract, and Ardon Jashari coming off a career-best season, they’re under no pressure to sell for less than their asking price.

And Brugge know their man is a rare commodity — a central midfielder who combines tenacity with technique, and vision with drive. He has leadership qualities that defy his age and experience, and his work rate has earned him comparisons to players like Granit Xhaka and even a young Luka Modrić.

It’s no wonder club captain Hans Vanaken sympathised with Ardon Jashari’s situation but made it clear: Milan or no Milan, Brugge won’t budge unless the offer matches their valuation.

“We all know Ardon is ready for a big step. But the club is right to protect its value,” said Vanaken. “If Milan really want him, they’ll pay the price. Otherwise, he stays.”

What’s Next for Ardon Jashari?

Club Brugge KV v Aston Villa FC – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg

The clock is ticking, and Milan now have a decision to make. Will they raise their bid one last time to match the €40 million price tag? Or will they stick to their guns and risk losing a player they’ve long targeted?

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Leverkusen are waiting in the wings. Both clubs have the finances and the structure to close a deal quickly. And both are ready to offer Ardon Jashari competitive salaries and key roles within ambitious squads.

The player himself remains quiet, at least in public. But signs suggest that while he still favours a move to San Siro, his patience has limits. If Milan can’t close the deal soon, he may feel forced to explore other options — even if it means abandoning his preferred destination.

Final Thoughts: Milan’s Gamble Could Backfire

There’s no denying that Ardon Jashari is one of the most exciting midfield talents in Europe right now. And for weeks, it looked like Milan were on the brink of wrapping up a fantastic piece of business.

But football rarely goes according to plan. In a market where delays cost deals, Milan’s calculated patience may turn into regret.

If Ardon Jashari ends up wearing blue in London or black-and-red in Germany, Milan fans may look back at this summer wondering what might have been.