Chelsea are interested in snapping up Cologne winger Said El Mala, according to reports in the German media.
Absolut Fussball claims that the Blues have put themselves “in position” to sign the teenager, who has turned heads with his performances at the start of this season.
The last German player to come through Cologne’s ranks with the same level of hype surrounding him was World Cup winner Lukas Podolski.
The forward had two spells at the Bundesliga side as well as having stints at Bayern Munich and Arsenal during his illustrious career.
What do Chelsea fans need to know about the forward?
El Mala is a product of several academies, including Linner SV, Borussia Monchengladbach, TSV Meerbusch and Viktoria Cologne.
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The winger made his senior debut for Viktoria Cologne against FC Saarbrucken in February 2024. He made 11 appearances during the second half of the 2023/24 season for the German third-tier outfit before FC Cologne secured his services in July the same year.
To provide him with more first-team experience, El Mala was loaned back for the 2024/25 campaign, and the decision greatly benefited him as he scored 13 goals in 34 matches. The 19-year-old returned to his parent club prior to the current season, and he has caught the eye whilst playing in the Bundesliga.
Several teams are pursuing El Mala
Absolut Fussball report that Brighton were already aware of his talent before he made his breakthrough this year, having sent scouts to watch him play.
Bayern Munich are also reportedly keen on El Mala, and he would replicate the move that Podolski himself made back in 2006.
Chelsea are in the mix too, but a lot may depend on what guarantees they can give the German Under-21 international about game time. The Blues have recently bought two young left wingers, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, so there would be questions about where he would fit into Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here