Atakan Akkaynak is rated as one of the most promising youngsters in Germany (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea are prepared to battle Barcelona to secure the signature of highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen teenager Atakan Akkaynak, reports say.

Akkaynak, 18, is rated as one of the most promising youngsters in Germany and a host of top clubs have scouted the midfielder over the past year.

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The Daily Express say representatives from Stamford Bridge are impressed but that Chelsea will have to see off strong interest from Barca to complete a deal.

Despite being regarded as a future first-team star and international player, Leverkusen are said to be willing to cash in on the talented midfielder, who is under contact until 2019.




Conte spent over £200million on five major signings during the summer but hoped to bring even more players to west London as he bids to defend the title while also compete for the Champions League.

Barcelona have been long-term admirers of the 18-year-old (Picture: Getty)

Blues boss Antonio Conte (Picture: Getty)

Having missed out on a number of targets, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fernando Llorente, Ross Barkley and Alex Sandro, Chelsea will be expected to oversee another spending spree when the market reopens in January.

Conte’s side beat Leicester City 2-1 on Saturday to record three consecutive Premier League victories and jump to third in the top-flight, behind Manchester City and early leaders United.

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