Chelsea eye move for German attacker as ‘asking price’ revealed | OneFootball

Chelsea have joined the race to sign FC Cologne attacker Said El Mala in the upcoming summer transfer window. 

German champions Bayern Munich have been previously linked with a move for El Mala, but they have other targets.

The dazzling left-footed winger has enjoyed a fantastic campaign for Cologne, but he is almost certain to leave the German club in the summer.

Chelsea interested in Said El Mala

Christian Falk has told CFBayern Insider that Chelsea are interested in signing El Mala, who has scored 12 goals and provided four assists in the Bundesliga.

Cologne are demanding a fee in the region of €50m [£43.1m], and they hope Chelsea would come up with a tempting offer and meet their asking price.

Brighton would have been prepared to pay €35m, but Cologne are not happy with the offer.

“This is now the club that has their eye on El Mala. Cologne demand €50m [£43.1m]. Brighton would have been prepared to pay €35m, which was not enough for FC Köln. Of course, for El Mala, the move would have been nice; he’s earning about €1.5m at Cologne and Brighton offered €4m.

“But now, there’s a question: Is there a club out there prepared to pay €50m? The hope is that’s Chelsea. They are interested in the player, but if they’ll pay so much for a German talent remains to be seen – we don’t yet know! In the meantime, FC Köln would be happy to keep the 19-year-old winger.

“They’re working right now on a new deal with a supermarket chain that could supply the rest of the salary that El Mala would like to earn (€4m). That’s the Plan B if he isn’t sold. At the moment, it’s up to Chelsea and Said El Mala.”

Are Bayern Munich still interested in Said El Mala?

The 19-year-old was considered an option for Bayern, but they have switched their targets to Anthony Gordon, who could leave Newcastle United in the summer window.

The Bavarian giants want a versatile forward who can play in multiple roles, and Gordon fits the bill than El Mala.

Bayern are almost out of race for El Mala, which means Chelsea have a great option to sign the attacker if they come up Cologne’s asking price.