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Chelsea are looking to wrap up a summer deal to sign Belgian teenage sensation, Kevin de Bruyne, according to reports in Belgium. De Bruyne, 19, currently plays for Belgian outfit Racing Genk, the club where he began his career in 2008, and is a diverse attacker, comfortable as winger, an attacking midfielder or as a striker.
The 19-year-old forward is part of what is seen as a potential Golden Generation for Belgium, along with Romelu Lukaku (the ‘new Didier Drogba’), Steven Defour and Eden hazard. De Bruyne is a pacy attacker, who can dribble, shoot well with both feet, and is an excellent free-kick taker. His record for Belgium’s under-19′s is outstanding, with a record of 16 goals in 14 games.
Chelsea are believed to be some way down the road to signing the young Belgian, with a €4million fee apparently informally accepted by Racing Genk. The Blues tried to sign De Bruyne last summer, with their efforts firmly rejected by the Belgian club, however, it appears that Chelsea’s interest will be followed through this time round, as Genk are finally willing to to open talks over their young forward.
However, Chelsea are aware that Manchester City are also interested in the attacker, as Roberto Mancini has had the player scouted twice in recent months. City have not made any enquiries as of yet, but although Chelsea’s bid is much further down the line, De Bruyne is thought to be awaiting a bid from City, as he would prefer a move to Eastlands.
This is because Chelsea would most likely send the player on loan to Vitesse Arnhem to gain experience, whereas De Bruyne himself would rather fight for a first-team place immediately, something that he could do at City.
With such a paltry fee looking likely to prize De Bruyne away from Genk, it becomes merely a case of where the player wants to go. Juventus are also apparently showing an interest in the fleet-footed Belgian, but De Bruyne has made it clear to his agent, Patrick de Koster, that he would prefer a move to the Premier League.
If the reports about his unwillingness to go out on loan prove true, it may well be the sky blue of City, rather than the royal blue of Chelsea, that we see the Belgian youngster wearing in the coming years.
