Chelsea are in a strong position to sign Strasbourg right back Guela Doué ahead of Premier League rivals Aston Villa, Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Chelsea Take the Lead in Race to Sign Strasbourg Star Guela Doué Amid €30 Million Price Tag Battle

In what’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing transfer stories of the season, Chelsea have reportedly moved into a commanding position to secure the signing of Guela Doué, the highly-rated right-back from RC Strasbourg Alsace. The 22-year-old Ivorian talent has been turning heads across Europe with his blend of defensive composure, attacking intelligence, and remarkable athleticism — and it now appears that the Premier League giants have stolen a march on their English rivals.

According to multiple reports coming out of France and England, Chelsea have accelerated talks with Strasbourg officials and are now considered the frontrunners for Doué’s signature ahead of Aston Villa, Brentford, and Brighton & Hove Albion, all of whom have been keeping close tabs on the player in recent months.

A Rising Star in Ligue 1

Guela Doué’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. The young defender, who has come through Strasbourg’s youth ranks, has established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most promising full-backs. Known for his speed, ball recovery, and crisp passing, Doué offers the kind of modern full-back profile that top European clubs crave — capable of defending resolutely while also contributing significantly to attacking transitions.

His standout performances this season have caught the eye of scouts across Europe, especially following several commanding displays against top Ligue 1 opposition. At just 22, Doué has already shown the maturity and positional awareness of a much older player, leading many to predict that he could soon develop into one of the best right-backs in Europe.

Chelsea’s Advantage: The Strasbourg Connection

Chelsea’s position in the race is strengthened by one crucial factor — their ownership link with Strasbourg. Both clubs are part of the BlueCo consortium, the investment group led by Chelsea’s ownership, which has already been working to create a shared development pipeline between London and Alsace.

This partnership gives Chelsea a significant edge, allowing for smoother negotiations and potential priority access to Strasbourg’s brightest talents. Sources close to the talks suggest that Chelsea view Doué as a long-term investment — a player who could either provide depth and competition for Reece James or eventually become a starter as the squad evolves.

The €30 Million Price Tag

While Doué’s talent is unquestioned, his €30 million valuation has raised eyebrows across Europe. The fee, set by Strasbourg’s board, is understood to have deterred some of his suitors, including clubs like Brentford and Brighton, who prefer a more cautious financial approach to signings.

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, reportedly made early inquiries but are now believed to have shifted their focus to other targets due to the financial demands. Chelsea, however, are not deterred by the price tag, viewing Doué’s potential as a worthy investment — particularly given the scarcity of top-quality full-backs available on the market.

Building for the Future

For Chelsea, the pursuit of Doué fits perfectly into the club’s long-term recruitment strategy, which has focused on signing young, high-potential players who can be developed into world-class talents. With the likes of Malo Gusto already in the squad and Reece James returning to form after injuries, Chelsea’s right side is poised to become one of the most dynamic and competitive in English football.

Insiders have hinted that the London club envisions a rotation system that would allow their young full-backs to share responsibilities across multiple competitions, ensuring both player growth and squad depth.

Reaction Around the Premier League

The news of Chelsea’s strong positioning has reportedly frustrated rival clubs, particularly Aston Villa and Brighton, who had both identified Doué as a perfect fit for their tactical systems. Villa saw him as an ideal alternative to Matty Cash, while Brighton viewed him as part of their long-term defensive rebuild.

Football analysts have praised Chelsea’s decisiveness in pursuing Doué early, a move that could pay off handsomely in the future. “Chelsea have learned from past transfer windows,” said one Premier League insider. “They’re targeting youth, athleticism, and potential — and Doué ticks all those boxes.”

What Happens Next?

Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming weeks, with Chelsea looking to finalize personal terms before the next transfer window. While Strasbourg are reluctant to lose one of their brightest young players mid-season, the financial benefits of a €30 million deal — particularly one that could include future add-ons and a loan-back clause — may prove too tempting to refuse.

If completed, Guela Doué’s move to Chelsea would mark yet another example of the emerging talent pipeline between the Premier League club and their French counterpart. It would also signal Chelsea’s ongoing commitment to securing the best young prospects in Europe — not just for immediate impact, but for sustained dominance in the years ahead.

As the deal edges closer, one thing is clear: Chelsea’s intent is unmistakable. The Blues are building a new generation of stars — and Guela Doué might just be the next name to light up Stamford Bridge.