Who is Mathis Amougou and why do Chelsea want him? | OneFootball

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on Saint-Etienne midfielder Mathis Amougou ahead of the end of the January transfer window, with the fee thought to be around €15 million.

The Blues have had a quiet window by their standards, with no incomings and a handful of outgoings. Although that could change before the end of the night with this rumoured deal, and Joao Felix potentially going on loan to AC Milan.

Here’s what we know about Amougou…

Contract status

Amougou only joined Saint-Ettiene this summer and is contracted until the end of next season. Although only 19, he is highly-touted and has started nine league games this season. If the deal does go through, he would not be expected to go straight into the Chelsea first team given his lack of senior football and age.

The Blues expect that if a deal goes through, he is expected to immediately be sent on loan to Strasbourg to continue his development in Ligue 1.

Style of play

Amougou is a versatile midfielder. He is an athletic player known for making progressive runs with the ball, his speed, and being strong in duels. Despite his strengths, he needs to get more goal contributions to become a top player, however.

Who is interested?

Chelsea are the front-runners for Amougou and it is a signing that falls in line with their strategy of attempting to sign the best young talent in the world.

By sending him on loan in Ligue 1, they will allow him to develop naturally and if he becomes good enough, they can bring him to the Premier League. If not, they will ideally be able to sell him on for more than the €15 million they paid for him.

Did you know?

The Frenchman was voted the third best player of the U17 World Cup in 2023. He played seven games, scored twice and won 60% of his ground duels. He is a true all-action midfielder.