Chelsea enter race to pip Brighton to Said El Mala | OneFootball

Chelsea are interested in Koln left-winger Said El Mala, according to KSTA. The Blues are prepared to pay around €45 million (plus bonuses).

Chelsea will offer El Mala a seven-year contract with an annual salary of around €5 million to secure the youngster’s services.

The FIFA Club World Cup champions desperately needed left-wingers last summer but failed to properly plug the gap.

Liam Rosenior’s side signed Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens. The Argentine has been servicable while the latter has downright struggled at Stamford Bridge.

Months later, Chelsea might need to enter the market for another left-winger and are reportedly keeping tabs on El Mala, who has been turning heads in the Bundesliga.

El Mala has scored nine goals and three assists in the Bundesliga this season.

The 6ft2ins forward mirrors the physical profile of Morgan Rogers, whom the Blues are reportedly chasing.

El Mala is the cheaper option. However, Chelsea are not alone in the race for his signature, with Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion also showing interest.

The Seagulls already tried to sign him in January and remain keen. They might have the upper hand.

El Mala’s camp knows that competition for playing time at Chelsea is fierce, and in the past, young players have often been loaned out to partner clubs like Strasbourg.

At Brighton, El Mala is expected to play a key role from the start under Fabian Hurzeler, who is determined to sign him.

His brother Malek would be part of the Under-21 squad in Premier League 2.

Chelsea’s scattergun recruitment shows no signs of slowing. They have not learnt their lesson.

Stockpiling another promising winger will not fix a team still lacking a ruthless edge in the final third.

What the Blues truly need is a world-class, decisive forward, the kind who turns dominance into goals and tight games into wins.

El Mala is undoubtedly talented, but he is another project, not a solution. Right now, Chelsea need certainty, not another gamble out wide.