Aston Villa keen on a move to sign Guela Doue from Strasbourg, according to reports from Football Insider.
The 23-year-old is part of the BlueCo group and is being lined up by Enzo Maresca's side for a move to Stamford Bridge. However, Aston Villa fancy their chances of hijacking that deal, and also beating Brighton, who are also interested in signing the player, to a deal.
Doue is a product of the Rennes youth academy and made his breakthrough with the Ligue 1 side. He then completed a permanent switch to Strasbourg in the summer of 2024 and hasn't looked back.
Since joining the club, Doue has made 40 appearances, scoring twice and providing five assists. As an attack-minded right-back, the Ivory Coast international has all the credentials needed to be a top player in the Premier League.
Guela Doue Is 'Catching The Eye' Of Premier League Elite
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Villa's interest in signing Doue, who has been described as 'explosive', is no surprise, according to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, O'Rourke said:
“I’m sure it’s more than just Aston Villa that he’s caught the eye of.
“Doue’s had a very good time at Strasbourg. Impressed again last weekend [17 October] against the European champions PSG in that game as well and has established himself as one of the most promising young full-backs in Ligue 1 right now.
"Chelsea are also interested in him. You’ve got Brighton, they’ve been looking at him as well. So look, there’s going to be a host of clubs who’ll be keeping eyes on Doue’s progress at Strasbourg.”
Aston Villa are looking for reinforcements to strengthen Unai Emery's side for the future. It's been a frustrating campaign so far with Villa sitting in 11th place in the Premier League table.
While facing competition, Villa's pursuit of Doue could spell bad news for Andres Garcia. Matty Cash currently occupies the right-back slot at Villa Park, and has agreed a new contract with the Midlands club. That could see the Spaniard allowed to move on as a result.
However, with competition for places so important, particularly with Aston Villa competing in the Europa League, a move for Doue could prove to be a shrewd addition which would allow him a chance to settle into life in the Premier League.