Chelsea set to move for Ligue 1 starlet | OneFootball

Chelsea lead race to sign Strasbourg defender ahead of Premier League rivals

Chelsea eye Strasbourg full-back ahead of 2025

Chelsea have moved into pole position to sign Strasbourg right-back Guela Doue, with scouts from the Premier League club present during the French side’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Paris Saint-Germain last weekend, according to Shoot. Doue, who registered an assist in that match, is fast becoming one of Ligue 1’s standout young defenders.

The 21-year-old Ivorian has impressed with his athleticism, consistency, and attacking contribution, and Chelsea’s interest is unsurprising given their shared ownership with Strasbourg under the BlueCo group. That connection has already seen several players move between the two clubs, allowing the Blues to track emerging talent closely.

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Competition from Premier League rivals

While Chelsea are understood to be leading the race, Shoot notes that Brighton, Brentford, and Aston Villa are also keeping a close watch on Doue’s development. Each club is aware that his performances in France have been attracting significant attention, particularly following a season in which he has provided two assists and become a fixture in Strasbourg’s starting eleven.

Doue’s contract runs until 2029, giving Strasbourg the advantage in any negotiations. Reports suggest the French side will demand in excess of £25 million for the defender, a price reflective of both his potential and the leverage of his long-term deal.

Chelsea’s continued squad evolution

Enzo Maresca’s side have made positive strides in recent weeks, winning against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and securing their first Champions League victory of the campaign over Benfica. Yet recruitment remains central to the club’s long-term vision, particularly in defensive areas.

Doue’s profile fits neatly within Chelsea’s transfer model under BlueCo ownership: young, dynamic, and technically sound. Scouts have been tasked with identifying players capable of growing into first-team roles over time, and Doue’s form in France suggests he could follow that pathway.

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Building for the future

Since joining Strasbourg from Rennes, Doue has made 39 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and four assists. His progress has been rapid, and with his combination of pace, defensive awareness, and creativity, he has emerged as one of the most promising full-backs in Ligue 1.

With Chelsea’s defensive unit still evolving under Maresca, Doue represents both a long-term investment and a potential first-team option. Whether the club moves decisively in January or waits until next summer will depend on Strasbourg’s valuation, but the groundwork for a deal appears well underway.

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Chelsea fans are becoming accustomed to seeing young talents like Doue linked to Stamford Bridge, and there is cautious optimism that such moves could secure the club’s future in key positions.

However, some supporters might express frustration at the volume of developmental signings rather than established additions. With Reece James still and Malo Gusto performing well, right-back is not an immediate priority. That said, Doue’s arrival could ensure depth and succession planning, especially given James’s history of injuries.

Many Chelsea fans will also see this as an encouraging sign of integration between the two BlueCo clubs. Strasbourg’s ability to nurture young players could become a vital extension of Chelsea’s development system, particularly for players not yet ready for the Premier League.

For now, the focus will remain on results under Maresca, but moves like this underline the broader strategy at play: investing in tomorrow’s talent to build a sustainable, competitive squad capable of challenging in England and Europe for years to come.