The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea's approach came after Brighton opened formal talks with AIK at the weekend and Newcastle United followed with a rival offer — creating a three-way English race for one of European football's most talked-about teenage talents.
AIK confirmed the situation in a public statement, as required by their obligations as a stock market-listed company: "AIK Fotboll has initiated negotiations regarding the sale of player Zadok Yohanna. The current bid indicates a net profit effect higher than £20m. If and when an agreement has been reached, this will be communicated."
The Swedish club's target remains a fee of approximately £22m, a figure that would set a new record for an outgoing Swedish transfer. Brighton remain the frontrunner on the basis of their track record in developing young talent and their ability to offer a credible pathway to first-team football, though Chelsea's higher offer complicates the picture.
Yohanna joined AIK from the Ikon Allah Football Academy in Kaduna, Nigeria last summer and has scored two goals and contributed two assists in seven Allsvenskan appearances — modest numbers that disguise the scale of his raw impact in cup football and training. A league fixture against Kalmar FF in April attracted 32 accredited scouts.
Real Madrid, Rennes, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have all sent staff to watch him, but the battle is now primarily being fought between three Premier League clubs. The decisive factor for Yohanna and his representatives will be which club offers the clearest route to regular senior football.