Chelsea are reportedly interested in Saint-Etienne youngster Djylian N’Guessan, with their opening €8million (£7m) bid for the forward having been rejected.
Earlier reports had suggested that Chelsea had planned to sign N’Guessan before loaning him to sister club Strasbourg, similar to the pathway followed by Mathis Amougou, who joined from Saint-Etienne last winter.
However, according to the BBCthe French side are pursuing a deal of their own for the promising forward.
The 17-year-old was called up to the France squad for the U20 World Cup, featuring in every match as Les Blues reached the semi-finals, where they lost on peal to eventual champions Morocco on penalties.
His reputation has grown and he has attracted the interest of several European clubs, including Arsenal and Brentford.
He made his professional debut in Saint-Etienne’s 3–1 Ligue 1 win against Stade de Reims in January 2025 and scored his first senior goal in November’s French Cup victory over Quetigny.
Capable of playing anywhere across the frontline, N’Guessan has made 10 senior appearances and has registered just one goal involvement.
He has refused to sign a new contract with the Greens, and the club management have resigned themselves to losing the youngster.
It now remains to be seen whether the French youth international will make a permanent move to Chelsea or Strasbourg or opt for a move elsewhere.
Stats from transfermarkt.com & sofascore.com
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