In a transfer news heating up ahead of the January window, Chelsea have lodged an initial bid for Saint-Etienne prodigious 17-year-old forward Djylian N’Guessan, a player who’s caught the eye of north London rivals Arsenal. The Blues see the versatile attacker as a long-term gem. But their €8 million (£6.7m) approach has been swiftly turned down by the Ligue 2 side.
Bid Breakdown and Counter-Demands
The initial bid of Chelsea was not as much as it was on Saint-Etienne at 12.5 million (£10.5m). The club considered an appropriate valuation of N’Guessan being an explosive player. According to sources, the Londoners are not deterred and another proposal should be made soon. This is in line with its youth-centred strategy at Chelsea whose management has already signed Saint-Etienne Mathis Amougou last winter.
Arsenal’s Shadowy Pursuit
The plot thickens with the news of Arsenal involving in this transfer. Sporting director Andrea Berta has long admired the teenager. He viewed him as a “generational” talent to boost Mikel Arteta‘s attacking depth. Gunners scouts have tracked N’Guessan closely, impressed by his 12 goals and assists in 25 outings this season. Brentford lurk too, but Chelsea’s aggression could force Arsenal’s hand—potentially sparking a bidding war that tests their frugal transfer ethos.
🚨 BREAKING! ✨
Chelsea have seen an €8m bid for Djylian N'Guessan rejected. 🇫🇷
Saint-Étienne have set their asking price at €12.5m, amid interest from Arsenal and Brentford. 🤝
ℹ️ @lequipe pic.twitter.com/RjkxM6Fpca
— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) December 18, 2025
A Family Legacy in the Spotlight
N’Guessan is not just a statistical attraction. His dad, Dany, had a career in English football, playing at Lincoln City, Leicester and Millwall. This tradition gives it the perspective of foreshadowing to the flexibility of the youngster to the demands of Premier League. He is 17 and is already an international contender at the senior level. Moreover, he is a blend of technical finesse and pressing without sparing a single second.
Chelsea are the ones on the offensive as the negotiations drag on, yet the silent ambition of Arsenal looms large. It may be the start of the train to stardom that N’Guessan has longed to wear- whichever one it may be.
As featured on GoonerNews.com