Report: Chelsea make first move to secure major €30m January signing | OneFootball

Chelsea Eye Guela Doué as January Transfer Plan Takes Shape

Chelsea’s recruitment team rarely wastes time when a talent explodes onto the European scene, and Guela Doué appears to be the latest name under serious Stamford Bridge consideration. Credit to Caught Offside for revealing that the London club have already sent scouts to monitor the Strasbourg right-back, with sources suggesting Chelsea are currently “in the strongest position” to sign the 23-year-old.

Rising Star in Strasbourg

Doué has quickly become one of Ligue 1’s standout full-backs, combining defensive composure with attacking output. One goal and two assists in just five games underline his impact, yet it is the maturity and consistency beyond his years that seem to have pushed him onto Premier League radars.

Scouts were present for Strasbourg’s recent clash with Paris Saint-Germain, where Doué reportedly “delivered a commanding defensive performance while also showing his ability to contribute going forward”. Chelsea were not alone in watching him. Aston Villa, Brighton and Brentford have been monitoring his progress throughout the season.

Photo: IMAGO

Tough Negotiations Ahead

Strasbourg hold a strong hand in negotiations thanks to Doué’s contract, which runs until 2029. That gives the French club no reason to rush any decision, and the fee is expected to exceed €30 million. The possibility of a January deal cannot be dismissed, but sources close to the situation warn that negotiations “could push into the summer of 2026, when the player’s value may rise even further”.

Chelsea’s vast resources make them favourites, yet financial muscle alone will not be enough if Strasbourg choose to hold firm. A bidding war could see the player’s representatives test the market before committing.

Competition Across Europe

Interest is not limited to England. AC Milan reportedly “see Doué as a perfect fit” for their long-term right-back plans, while RB Leipzig believe he “could thrive in the Bundesliga”. Real Betis are also watching from afar.

Still, Chelsea present the most compelling sporting project. With Reece James’ injury concerns and Malo Gusto’s inconsistency, adding another high-potential full-back makes strategic sense. Sources suggest Chelsea are not looking merely for depth, but for someone capable of pushing straight into the first-team rotation.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Chelsea supporter reading this, it is hard not to get excited. A 23-year-old right-back with attacking numbers and defensive maturity? That screams long-term planning and squad evolution. Reece James, when fit, is one of the best in Europe, but how often can we rely on him to stay available for an entire season? Malo Gusto has potential but remains raw in key defensive moments. Signing Doué could finally inject competition without the panic of having to rush injured players back.

However, there is a nagging concern. Do we really need yet another young signing who arrives as “one for the future” and then gets loaned to Strasbourg’s sister club or parked on the bench while the manager agonises over selection? If Chelsea go for Doué, he needs to be a genuine challenger, not a developmental experiment.

Enzo Maresca’s second season is about tightening the details. His system relies on his full-backs being both disciplined and brave in possession. Doué’s performances suggest he could thrive in that environment. If he has already stood out against PSG, then Premier League pressure should not faze him.

For €30 million, this could be one of those deals that fans barely notice in January but applaud loudly two years later. If Chelsea truly want to dominate flanks for the next decade, Doué feels like the right profile at the right time.