Trabzonspor's supporters cheer their team during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match Lille vs. Trabzonspor AS on December 7, 2011 at the Lille metropole stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. AFP PHOTO FRANCOIS LO PRESTI (Photo credit should read FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP/Getty Images)
Chelsea have intensified their search for midfield reinforcements by launching an ambitious bid for Christ Inao Oulai, the 19-year-old sensation currently making waves in Turkey with Trabzonspor.
According to reports from Africa Foot, the West London giants have placed a €40 million offer on the table for the Ivorian international. The move signals Chelsea’s intent to secure one of Africa’s most promising young talents as they look to shore up a squad currently hampered by a mounting injury list.
Bridging the Midfield Gap
The Blues’ sudden move for Oulai comes as a response to persistent fitness issues within Enzo Maresca’s engine room. With both Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo spending significant portions of the 2025/26 campaign on the treatment table, Chelsea have been forced into the market for a durable, high-ceiling alternative.
While seasoned names like Douglas Luiz have been linked with Stamford Bridge, the recruitment team appears to be sticking to their strategy of investing in elite youth. Oulai, a graduate of the renowned JMG Academy Abidjan, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since arriving in Europe with SC Bastia in 2024, before moving to Trabzonspor a year later.
A Two-Horse Race in the Transfer Market
Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit. Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray are also reportedly in the hunt, though their initial bid of €20 million falls significantly short of the Premier League club’s valuation.
Despite Chelsea doubling the offer made by the “Lions,” a deal is not yet finalized. Trabzonspor are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to €50 million to sanction the departure of their prized asset mid-season. The teenager has become a focal point for the Turkish side, contributing two goals and three assists in 11 appearances this term.
Player Profile: Christ Inao Oulai
Age: 19
Nationality: Ivory Coast
Current Club: Trabzonspor
Stats this season: 11 apps, 2 goals, 3 assists.
Key Strength: Dynamic box-to-box presence with elite technical grounding from the JMG Academy.
As the winter window enters its final stretch, the question remains whether Chelsea will bridge the €10 million gap to meet Trabzonspor’s asking price. Given their recent history of aggressive spending for top-tier prospects, the FIFA Club World Cup winners remain the frontrunners to land the Ivorian sensation.