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Arsenal and Chelsea could battle for a young star | Getty Images
Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be interested in a move for a rising star.
Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be ready to battle it out, and not just for a spot in the Carabao Cup final. The two sides were drawn together for the Carabao Cup semi-final after beating Crystal Palace and Cardiff City respectively in the quarter-finals.
In the Premier League, the Gunners are having a better time of it, currently top of the league heading into Christmas and hoping to keep hold of top spot heading into the new year.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are hanging on to fourth spot, which would put them on course to improve slightly upon last season, but with the likes of Liverpool breathing down their necks, the Blues know they will be in for a battle to secure a top four finish, especially if they continue to struggle for consistency, as they have in recent weeks.
Away from matters on the pitch, both Arsenal and Chelsea will be considering their options for the January transfer window, although it is true that neither is likely to spend big. Arsenal spent big in the summer window and have built a very strong squad with plenty of depth, while the Blues have to be careful with their spending, and if they do make a move, it will either be to sign another prospect or to fill a gap.
When it comes to signing future prospects, Chelsea have led the way in recent times, placing plenty of emphasis on signing some of the best young talent the world has to offer. In a strategy to get ahead of big future fees, Chelsea have signed young with the hope of developing players into future stars, or at least profit-makers.
Arsenal could do with following their lead, with the Gunners unlikely to be able to keep spending hundreds of millions each summer, and according to a report from Footmercato, the Gunners may be looking to do just that.
Arsenal and Chelsea ready to battle for starlet
It’s claimed both Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in a move for Marseille talent Darryl Bakola, who attracted admirers aplenty, including Newcastle United. The 18-year-old only has a contract at Marseille until 2027 as things stand, and it’s claimed Marseille are pushing to agree a new deal, but this may be seen as the young star’s chance to land a big move.
Then again, Marseille do have an ambitious project currently, investing significantly in the summer, and they are currently third in Ligue 1, five points off top spot and four behind PSG.
Bakola, who is an attacking midfielder, is a France under-20s international, and he has already racked up eight senior appearances for Marseille this season, including seven Ligue 1 outings and one Champions League appearance. The youngster managed an assist in that Champions League game.
The creative star has also been representing Marseille’s under-19s on and off this season between first team call-ups. He also has citizenship in the Congo, so France could move to cap him in the not too distant future, as they have done with some other young players with African eligibility.
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