Report: Chelsea set to battle Arsenal in the race to sign French midfielder | OneFootball

Chelsea Circle Darryl Bakola as Marseille Face Contract Race

Chelsea’s recruitment team are once again monitoring Ligue 1 closely, with Darryl Bakola emerging as a serious midfield target ahead of 2025. According to reporting from Foot Mercato, Olympique de Marseille are actively trying to secure the future of one of their brightest academy graduates, yet interest from England and Germany is intensifying after a breakout Champions League performance.

Bakola’s rise has been rapid. Thrust into a high pressure European fixture against Newcastle, the 18 year old responded with maturity beyond his years, producing what Foot Mercato described as a “high-flying performance and decisive assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang”. That display has shifted the conversation from promise to urgency, both for Marseille and for the clubs circling.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle are all now firmly alert, while Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund have also registered strong interest. However, it is Chelsea’s manoeuvring that stands out, particularly given their longer term midfield planning under Enzo Maresca.

Marseille Push Extension Talks Into January

Within Marseille, the situation is viewed as a defining moment. Foot Mercato report that “this is the priority issue for the end of 2025 in the offices of the Commandery”, with an extension offer already placed in front of Bakola and his representatives. The midfielder is currently under contract until June 2027, but OM want clarity quickly.

The club believes it has delivered on its promises. As the article notes, “by integrating Bakola more and more frequently in the rotation (8 appearances in all competitions), until this baptism of fire in C1, the club believes it has fulfilled its part of the contract”. The message from Marseille’s hierarchy is clear, his future can be built at the Vélodrome.

Photo: IMAGO

Yet there is also firmness behind the scenes. Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia are determined not to repeat past mistakes, where young talents departed without compensation. Foot Mercato state plainly that “if Darryl Bakola does not sign quickly, a transfer this winter cannot be ruled out”.

Chelsea Strategy Takes Shape Behind Scenes

Chelsea’s interest appears both calculated and patient. According to English sources cited by Foot Mercato, “Chelsea are moving their pawns behind the scenes on OM’s No. 50 and would already be thinking of sending him to Strasbourg on loan”. This fits a familiar model, securing elite young talent early, then allowing development within a controlled environment.

From a sporting perspective, Bakola profiles as a technically secure, press resistant midfielder, attributes that align with Maresca’s positional play principles. Chelsea’s midfield evolution is ongoing, and while competition would be fierce, Bakola’s age and ceiling make him an attractive long term investment rather than an immediate starter.

Arsenal and Newcastle also remain watchful, though neither appear as advanced in their planning. Dortmund and Stuttgart’s interest underlines how widely Bakola’s performance has resonated across Europe.

January Decision Looms for Bakola Camp

Foot Mercato underline that “the month of January will be decisive for the man who is considered one of the great hopes of the Marseille club”. The choice is stark, commit to Marseille’s project or take the leap abroad while leverage is highest.

For Chelsea, timing will be everything. Move too late and Marseille may secure a renewal. Move too early and risk inflating the price. What is certain is that Bakola’s name is now firmly embedded in Premier League recruitment discussions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, this report feels very familiar, but also encouraging. The idea of Chelsea acting early, rather than reacting late, suggests lessons have been learned. Bakola fits the age profile, the technical requirements, and crucially the resale logic that has underpinned recent strategy.

Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are moving towards control, structure and intelligence in midfield rather than pure athletic chaos. Bakola’s calmness against Newcastle, in a Champions League environment, hints at a player comfortable receiving under pressure and making progressive decisions. That alone will excite fans who have watched Chelsea struggle to dictate tempo consistently.

The Strasbourg loan angle also makes sense. It offers a softer landing, regular minutes, and tactical continuity. Supporters will likely see this as a smart compromise, development without stagnation.

That said, fans will also want reassurance that Chelsea are not simply stockpiling. Bakola must be viewed as a future Stamford Bridge midfielder, not just a balance sheet asset. If Maresca sees him as part of the second season project and beyond, then this pursuit feels justified and exciting.