TBR Football understands that Chelsea officials were in Paris on Friday evening to see Strasbourg almost cause a huge shock against Paris Saint-Germain.
BlueCo and Chelsea were represented at the game at the Parc des Princes, which almost resulted in an historical win for Liam Rosenior’s side as they took a 3-1 lead before settling for a draw thanks to a late equaliser from Senny Mayulu.
The visiting Blues contingent were keeping checks on the likes of loan star Mike Penders, and defender Ismael Doukoure who – as TBR Football has revealed – is lined up for a move to Stamford Bridge in 2026. There is also Julio Enciso, who is hoping to move to Chelsea next summer.
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However, we can also reveal that other Strasbourg players are playing themselves into Chelsea’s thinking.
Strasbourg striker Joaquin Panichelli celebrates scoring against Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Exclusive: Joaquin Panichelli and Guela Doure impress Chelsea
Chelsea already have a deal in place for Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, who missed the game due to injury, but his replacement Joaquin Panichelli has also hugely impressed.
Panichelli scored two goals in Paris, meaning he has five in seven games, and his performances have not gone unnoticed.
Likewise, they are liking what they are seeing from full-back Guela Doue, who featured against his brother Desire on Friday.
Our chief correspondent Graeme Bailey said: “BlueCo are over-the-moon with what is going on at Strasbourg, the football they are playing under Liam Rosenior and the players who are blossoming under his guidance.
“Strasbourg have some outstanding players and someone like Panichelli, he was plucked from the Spanish second division but looks top quality.
“Sources point out to me that this is the advantage of being able to blood these players in France, ahead of potential moves to England.”
Chelsea transfer business with Strasbourg
Making the most of BlueCo’s multi-club network, Chelsea have already made six transfer moves with Strasbourg, with several taking place during the summer.
As well as the pre-agreement to sign striker Emegha, defender Ben Chilwell joined the Ligue 1 side to escape his Stamford Bridge exodus.
Youngsters Mike Penders and Kendry Paez both moved to Chelsea and were then sent to France on loan.
Mamadou Sarr switched to the Blues for a fee of around £12m from Strasbourg, but returned to his former side on loan at the end of the Club World Cup.
Strasbourg signed Chelsea academy defender Ishe Samuels-Smith and midfielder Mathis Amougou.