One criticism that has been thrown Chelsea’s way is the lack of squad-building focus in recent windows, and links to a young right-back suggest they are repeating mistakes of the past.
When Chelsea set their sights on a player, they seldom miss out.
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital love signing young talents with upside, but they have gotten some stick for signing prospects who don’t strengthen the side.
That is what seems to be happening again with Strasbourg right-back Guela Doue, who the Blues are favourites to sign amid plenty of Premier League interest.
Paris Saint-Germain FC v RC Strasbourg Alsace - Ligue 1 McDonald's 2025/2026
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Chelsea lead the race for Guela Doue
There has been plenty of controversy surrounding Chelsea’s relationship with RC Strasbourg. Fans of the Ligue 1 side have protested the way in which the group that owns both clubs continues to poach their best players.
Emanuel Emegha is the latest Strasbourg star to agree to a move to Stamford Bridge, and another teammate may be following him out the door.
CaughtOffside reveal that Chelsea have been heavily scouting Guela Doue, who has started the season brilliantly for Strasbourg.
They report: “Among the many clubs tracking Doué’s progress, Chelsea appear to be in the strongest position, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
“Scouts from the London club were present during Strasbourg’s recent clash with Paris Saint-Germain.”
Guela, brother of PSG star Desiree Doue, is an exciting right-back who has already been involved in three goals in four Ligue 1 appearances. Chelsea were close to signing Doue before he moved to Strasbourg.
Chelsea face competition from Aston Villa, Brighton and Brentford, while European sides like AC Milan and RB Leipzig are also monitoring the 23-year-old.
Not what Enzo Maresca needs at the back
Reece James is slowly reentering conversations for best right-back in the Premier League, and his deputy, Malo Gusto, is also enjoying a solid run of form.
Malo Gusto of Chelsea is embraced by Reece James during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC
Photo by Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Josh Acheampong is capable of covering the right side as well, so Chelsea’s potential purchase of yet another right-back doesn’t make much sense from a squad perspective.
Of course, Chelsea don’t just buy players for that purpose, but there are areas in dire need of strengthening that could be prioritised.
Doue is expected to command a fee north of £30 million. At that price point, Maresca could add a quality centre-back or even more cover on the left of defence. This isn’t a signing that moves the needle, and you would expect to see the Ivory Coast international warming the bench for most of the season.
Chelsea have a clear strategy when it comes to recruitment, but it’s high time they started focusing on exciting prospects who can add something to the side rather than treating signings solely as trading assets.