Chelsea are joined by Arsenal in the race to sign talented Frenchman | OneFootball

Marseille’s highly rated teenage midfielder Darryl Bakola has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about young talents ahead of the winter transfer window, with interest intensifying from Premier League giants and Europe’s elite clubs alike.

At just 18 years old, Bakola’s composure and maturity have elevated him from a promising academy prospect into a genuine transfer-market hot topic.

Several English clubs have been monitoring his development closely for months, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Chelsea & Arsenal are among clubs monitoring Bakola

Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle United are all long-term admirers.

Chelsea, in particular, are understood to have ramped up their interest in recent weeks, continuing their strategy of targeting elite young talent capable of developing into first-team pillars.

Arsenal also see Bakola as fitting perfectly into their youth-driven recruitment model, while Newcastle’s continued scouting presence highlights that the race extends well beyond London.

The youngster has made 11 appearances for the French club this season.

Manchester City and Manchester United are both tracking Bakola’s progress but they are still behind their Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal in the race.

Across the continent, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund are all ready to enter the conversation should his contractual situation change.

Marseille, however, are in a position of strength. The Ligue 1 club view Bakola as a cornerstone of their future and are actively working on a contract extension that would tie him to the club until 2030.

Marseille are looking to keep the youngster at the club

Darryl Bakola of Olympique de Marseille (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

From Marseille’s perspective, securing his long-term commitment would not only safeguard a prized asset but also send a strong message about their ambition to compete with Europe’s top development hubs.

A January transfer appears unlikely. Marseille have no financial pressure to sell mid-season, and Bakola himself is understood to be comfortable continuing his development in familiar surroundings.

That said, if negotiations over a new deal stall or the player decides against extending his stay, the situation could change rapidly.