Arnesen checks on Croat

Blues chief eyes Hadjuk forward

By Vlatko Siljanovski   Last updated: 27th March 2008

frank arnesen

Arnesen: Checking on talent

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Chelsea are hot on the trail of Hadjuk Split starlet Nikola Kalinic.

The 20-year-old is currently the top-scorer in Croatia with 15 goals and that has caught the eye of a number of clubs.

Chelsea have been tipped off about Kalinic's potential and that was followed up by The Blues' own head of recruitment Frank Arnesen.

The Dane, who oversees all Chelsea's transfer dealings, personally travelled to Split to watch Kalinic in action last week.

Arnesen took in Split's 7-2 win over Inter Zapresic - although Kalinic was taken off injured at half-time.

Despite not seeing Kalinic score, Arnesen is reportedly still keen on the youngster - who is yet to make his international debut for Croatia although he is one of the leading lights of the Under-21 side.

Reports claim that Chelsea could mount a bid in excess of £5million for Kalinic, which would no doubt prove hard to resist for financially stricken Hadjuk, and they would look to loan him out as he does not meet English work-permit criteria.

However, leading clubs from Germany, France and Italy are also closely watching Kalinic and could mount rivals bids.