Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are competing to sign Olympique de Marseille’s 18-year-old midfielder Darryl Bakola.
Chelsea is ramping up efforts to sign Olympique de Marseille’s young midfielder Darryl Bakola, beating Manchester United and Arsenal in the race.
Bakola, 18, has made 11 appearances for Marseille this season and is considered one of the most promising young talents in French football.
Despite Chelsea’s deep midfield department, injuries and lack of game time for some players have led them to consider Bakola as a serious option. Enzo Maresca’s side has been monitoring Bakola’s performances, and they’re willing to continue their strategy of recruiting talented young players.
Arsenal is also keen on Bakola, seeing him as a perfect fit for their youth-driven recruitment model. However, with a strong midfield department, it might be challenging for Bakola to find regular game time at the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester United is another contender, seeking a new midfielder due to injuries to Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. Newcastle United, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in Bakola.
Marseille wants to keep Bakola and has offered him a fresh contract until 2030. If negotiations stall, they might consider selling him next year. A January transfer seems unlikely, but the situation could change rapidly.
