Bayer Leverkusen have held concrete talks to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko this summer, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg.
New manager Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen the squad in the transfer window following the departures of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.
Signing a top-quality right-winger is among the priorities, with Leverkusen keen on identifying an upgrade for Amine Adli and Jonas Hoffman.
Both players collectively netted four league goals last season.
Bakayoko is high on Leverkusen’s wishlist, having monitored his brilliant progress over the past couple of years.
The 22-year-old registered 14 goals and 14 assists in the 2023/24 season and followed up with 12 goals and three assists last term.
He played a pivotal role in PSV winning back-to-back Eredivisie titles.
The Belgian star was also impressive in the Champions League last season, scoring in the win against Liverpool in the group stage.
The Dutch giants could be forced to sell their prized asset this summer due to increasing offers. They also want to avoid losing him for free when his contract expires next year.
Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have registered their interest in Bakayoko, who is valued at £30 million.
However, Leverkusen could have leverage in the transfer talks by providing him the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season.
The German giants can also compete financially with the Premier League clubs after filling their coffers with the lucrative sales of Wirtz and Frimpong.
Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche is Leverkusen’s priority target for the summer.
The Principality club are open to selling the French winger, who has garnered interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Die Werkself may have to pay around €80m for Akliouche.
Leverkusen are close to announcing the signing of PSV midfielder Malik Tillman for €40m.
