Chelsea make offer – Blues pushing ahead of Arsenal and Brentford

Chelsea, Arsenal and Brentford have AS Saint-Étienne’s Djylian N’Guessan on their transfer agenda.

That’s according to L’Equipe, who mention both Arsenal and Brentford when covering the latest on Chelsea’s efforts.

The 17-year-old climbed through the ranks of the French club’s youth system and made his first team debut last year. The forward played 10 matches so far of which only two are from this season.

N’Guessan has a contract until 2027, and the Ligue 2 side intend to extend it. The report states he has refused to sign an extension. Therefore, Saint-Étienne have decided to cash in on ‘one of the most promising players of his generation’.

The youngster was expected to become Lucas Stassin’s long-term successor at Saint-Étienne. Instead, L’Equipe says he ‘could move to England’ in the winter market, where Arsenal, Brentford and above all Chelsea are interested.

The Blues want to secure his services and have taken steps to get ahead of Arsenal and Brentford. It’s claimed Enzo Maresca’s side have tabled an initial bid of €8m.

According to the newspaper, Saint-Étienne have rejected it as they want €12.5m to sell the France U20 international. With Chelsea keen, they may return with an improved offer.

If Chelsea were to complete his signing in January, N’Guessan won’t be able to move to the UK until he turns 18 years of age next August.