Chelsea do not look as if they are going to stray away from their project of signing some of the best young talents in world football.
Todd Boehly’s plans have not always been popular amongst Blues fans, but they are now finally starting to reap the rewards of the process.
Estevao Willian is one of the most exciting players at Stamford Bridge at the moment, and is the poster boy for the next generation coming through at West London.
Chelsea’s injury list ahead of Aston Villa
Estevao Willian celebrates scoring for Chelsea vs Barcelona
Would you start either of Estevao or Delap against Villa? Or can a better attack be formed…?
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The goal is certainly to find more of these diamonds, and the incoming additions of Geovany Quenda and Mike Penders promise to deliver as much.
Olympique de Marseille v Newcastle United FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
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Chelsea ready to swoop in and sign Darryl Bakola
Outside of BlueCo, one of the most promising talents coming through the ranks is Marseille attacking midfielder Darryl Bakola.
Roberto de Zerbi has utilised the youngster on multiple occasions this season, and his side are keen to keep hold of him with a new contract offer.
Journalist Santi Aouna has stated however that he could be on the move if he doesn’t sign, with Chelsea one of the sides aiming for a deal.
He said: “OM has made a contract extension offer to Darryl Bakola. A resolution is expected upon resumption
“OM could open the door to a departure in January if the player does not accept this proposal. Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Stuttgart and Dortmund are interested.”
The position that Chelsea MUST strengthen in 2026 is _ _ _ _ _ _
Chelsea owner Behdad Eghbali and directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart at Wolves game
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Who is Darryl Bakola?
The 18-year-old was promoted to the first team at Marseille in 2024, and is a France Under 20 international.
De Zerbi handed him his Champions League debut earlier this season against Newcastle, picking up an assist in their group stage victory.
This one appearance though lasted for more minutes than he has notched up in seven Ligue 1 outings though. He is yet to rack up 90 minutes of league football.
It is unlikely that he would be handed a path straight to the Chelsea first team, and is instead one of the players who could perhaps benefit from a tenure at Strasbourg, either permanently or on loan.
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