Journalist: Chelsea considred ‘frontrunners’ to sign another Strasbourg star | OneFootball

Chelsea Move for Guela Doue Highlights Reece James Concern

Chelsea’s search for defensive reinforcements continues, with Football Insider reporting that the club are leading the race to sign Strasbourg right-back Guela Doue. The 23-year-old has caught the attention of several Premier League sides, including Aston Villa and Brighton, but Chelsea’s ownership link with Strasbourg through Blue Co. could give them the decisive edge.

Doue Interest Signals Shift in Chelsea’s Defensive Planning

Reece James’ recurring injury issues have been a long-standing problem for the Blues, and his withdrawal from England duty earlier this month only reinforced the club’s need for a reliable alternative. Sources told Football Insider that Chelsea are “probably frontrunners due to their relationship with Strasbourg,” with both clubs under the Blue Co. umbrella.

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The report adds, “You’re probably looking between £20-25million for Doue in his current form. He’s under contract with the French club until 2029, so they’re under no real pressure to sell him just now.”

James’ persistent setbacks have been compounded by Malo Gusto’s recent disciplinary lapses, leaving Enzo Maresca short of dependable options at right-back. Doue’s combination of defensive strength and attacking mobility makes him an appealing target, particularly given Chelsea’s model of recruiting young talent with resale value.

Blue Co. Connection Gives Chelsea Clear Advantage

This multi-club ownership model has already benefited Chelsea’s transfer operations. Recent examples include player loans and scouting synergy between the two sides. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke noted that “Chelsea have done this before in the past, signing players from Strasbourg and some Chelsea players going out to the French club as well.”

If negotiations progress smoothly, Doue could become the latest to make the step from Ligue 1 to Stamford Bridge, bolstering Maresca’s squad depth ahead of a demanding winter schedule.

Centre-Back Upgrades Also on the Agenda

Chelsea’s defensive concerns extend beyond the flanks. Long-term injuries to Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana have left Maresca’s backline stretched. Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea are “working on a centre-back upgrade for January,” with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo mentioned as a possible target.

Financial prudence may, however, dictate a more measured approach. Araujo’s valuation remains steep, and Chelsea’s focus on Doue could represent a more strategic investment for the long term.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea supporter’s standpoint, this move feels both sensible and overdue. Fans have grown increasingly anxious over Reece James’ reliability, with repeated injuries disrupting team balance and leadership on the pitch. While James remains a world-class full-back when fit, relying on him across multiple competitions has proven risky.

Guela Doue represents a logical next step. At 23, he fits the age and profile Chelsea’s recruitment team now favours—young, athletic, and tactically adaptable. Supporters will likely see this as a move designed to protect the club’s future, rather than replace James outright.

The Blue Co. connection also excites fans who recognise its growing influence in Chelsea’s transfer ecosystem. If Doue arrives for around £25 million, he could quickly settle with support from the network’s shared resources.

Still, the focus must not drift from Chelsea’s central defence. Injuries to Colwill and Fofana expose how fragile the current structure is, and many fans believe that without an experienced centre-back in January, progress under Maresca could stall. Doue would be a smart addition, but the club’s defensive rebuild looks far from complete.