The strategy behind the pursuit of Tati aligns perfectly with Chelsea’s controversial but established multi-club ownership model. The project being pitched to the player is one that has become familiar to several young talents over the last 18 months: sign a long-term contract with Chelsea, but spend the immediate future developing in Ligue 1 with sister club Strasbourg.
This pathway is designed to offer Tati the best of both worlds; the financial security and prestige of a Premier League giant, combined with guaranteed game time in a league he already knows. Strasbourg are in need of defensive reinforcements for the second half of the season, and the Chelsea hierarchy views the loan system as the perfect vehicle to give Tati experience before integrating him into the squad at Stamford Bridge in future seasons.
However, the clock is ticking. For this complex manoeuvre to work, Chelsea must not only agree a fee with Nantes and personal terms with Tati but also process the paperwork for an international loan move to Strasbourg before the deadline passes. It is a logistical challenge that leaves no margin for error.