Chelsea are reportedly preparing to hijack Brighton’s move for FC Koln’s Said El Mala.
The Seagulls have been pushing hard to sign the winger over the past few transfer windows, having an approach rebuffed last summer before a concrete offer was knocked back in the January transfer window.
A change of agents looked to have accelerated Brighton’s pursuit recently though, with El Mala’s parents giving their word to Fabian Hurzeler’s side that they would be open to their son joining the club at the end of the season and agreeing on contract terms.
However, the development has not deterred rival suitors.
According to German news outlet KSTA, Chelsea remain firmly in the picture to sign the 19-year-old and they have already expressed a willingness to table a lucrative offer.
The Blues are prepared to pay £38.8million to secure the services of El Mala, plus bonuses. They are also willing to offer the German international a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with an annual salary of £4.3m.
These numbers trump the previous figures that Brighton had reportedly agreed with the player’s parents, Mohammed and Sabrina. However, there is still a sense of hesitation surrounding joining Chelsea from the player and his entourage.
Competition for minutes with the Blues is described as ‘fierce’, and the club’s immense depth has led to a number of young talents being loaned out to their French sister club Strasbourg previously.
In contrast, El Mala is aware that he would have a ‘key role’ to play at Brighton from the off. The Seagulls are also interested in the forward’s brother, Malek, who would leave FC Koln to link up with their Under-21s and play in Premier League 2.
Aside from the Seagulls, no other team that is interested in signing Said are also keen on Malek – including Chelsea and Newcastle. It remains to be seen whether relocating the siblings together could be an important factor for the family as they weigh up their options ahead of the summer transfer window.