Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Filip Jorgensen and Genesis Antwi both started for Strasbourg in their opening-day 4-0 hammering against Marseille on the weekend, with Chelsea’s third loan spot still up for grabs.
Strasbourg have lost some key components this summer. BlueCo’s other club are largely starting from scratch. Mike Penders, Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emegha, Julio Enciso and Diego Moreira have all left.
Robert Sanchez's errors leading to goal
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As has manager Gary O’Neil. The Ligue 1 side, who reached the Conference League semi-finals last term, require some major signings in the final week of the window. A Chelsea loan slot also remains available.
Jorgensen even captained Strasbourg during pre-season, while youngster Antwi is also on loan with the French club. Now, Chelsea are trying to sign a new player, and reports say he could be the third loan.
Chelsea are trying to do a deal for defender Honest Ahanor
It has been loosely reported this week that Chelsea are attempting to do a deal for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor. Chelsea have already done business with Atalanta this summer, for Marco Palestra.
FC Schalke 04 v Atalanta BC - Pre-Season Friendly
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Atalanta signed Ahanor last summer for around £15m after the two-time Italy international had played just six games for Genoa. It looks to have been an astute move, with Ahanor’s resale value increasing.
Clocking up 35 appearances in all competitions for Atalanta during 2025-26, Ahanor starred for the Serie A giants. Now, Chelsea are looking to take advantage for a player Ivan Juric described as “incredible”.
Chelsea could sign Ahanor and send him on loan to Strasbourg
Nicola Schira says Chelsea are pursuing a deal for Ahanor and are preparing a bid. The plan is to offer the defender a contract until June 2033, but they are looking to send the defender on loan to Strasbourg.
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“Chelsea will submit an official bid to try to sign Honest Ahanor from Atalanta. Plan is to send the young defender to Strasbourg on loan until June 2027. Ready for Ahanor, a contract until 2033,” Schira declared.
It is unclear how much Ahanor will cost, but the chances are it will be big this late in the window. Clubs know Chelsea are about to receive a fortune for Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and maybe Enzo Fernandez.
Which other players could fill the third Strasbourg slot?
Omari Kellyman looked as if he might be the third slot, only for Strasbourg to sign Kellyman permanently for £5m. Deivid Washington looks set to move to the Ligue 1 club for a fee, instead of a loan, too.
Mykhailo Mudryk wanted to join Leeds, but Chelsea blocked the move and prefers to send him to France. Mudryk still wants a Premier League club, but Chelsea didn’t feel Mudryk would get game time at Leeds.
As things stand, there are plenty of players who could fill the slot. Aaron Anselmino and David Fofana returned from their loans at Strasbourg, but their futures remain undecided. Mudryk remains at Chelsea.