Emanuel Emegha has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window. The RC Strasbourg striker has recently been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge following his impressive performances in the French top-flight.
Emegha, who sees his contract at the Stade de la Meinau expire in June 2028, featured 27 times in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists. Playing a key role in Liam Rosenior's side, the Dutchman helped Strasbourg secure qualification to the UEFA Conference League.
His eye-catching displays haven't gone unnoticed, attracting interest from some top clubs, including Chelsea. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues want to arrange a deal to sign Emegha from Strasbourg, who are also owned by BlueCo, next year.
The report claims that there is 'no chance' the Netherlands Under-21 international will leave Rosenior's side this summer. It's said that Emegha is viewed as key to the French outfit's project, and Chelsea like him as a possible option in the future.
The youngster would be an exciting option for Enzo Maresca when they west Londoners are looking to exploit a high-line and stretch the opposition backline. According to Ligue 1, Emegha clocked at 37.72 km/h over 60 metres this season, ranking him 'well ahead of the fastest players in the division', like Ousmane Dembele.
Emegha covered more ground (9.99 km) per match than any other striker, while also holding the record for the most sprints in a single match (43). Over the season as a whole, the Chelsea target was clocked as the fourth most active player.
Earlier this month, Enzo Maresca admitted that he wants to sign a new striker this summer. Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea's clash against Manchester United, the Italian was asked if a lack of competition has harmed Nicolas Jackson's development.
"I'm not able to answer now because I don't know the other part, if a number nine was here," said Maresca. "For sure, with us, in my personal opinion, he has grown and improved a lot.
"Now if another No9 was here is it better for him? I don't know," added the Chelsea boss. When asked whether he wanted someone to provide competition going forward, Maresca replied: "100 per cent."
While Chelsea appear keen to secure Emegha's signature, an arranged transfer wouldn't provide Jackson with competition until 2026. In the meantime, Victor Osimhen continues to be heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Napoli striker nearly joined the Blues last summer, but a deal collapsed at the eleventh hour, so he joined Galatasaray on loan instead. football.london understands that Chelsea submitted a bid for Osimhen towards the end of the transfer window.
It's believed that the west Londoners wanted to sign the 26-year-old on a season-long loan, which included an obligation-to-buy clause. Despite Chelsea's best efforts, they couldn't reach an agreement with the Italian giants before the deadline.
Osimhen, who had already been exiled by Antonio Conte, snubbed an 'extortionate' offer from Al-Ahli before jetting off to Istanbul. The Nigerian international enjoyed his time at Galatasaray, firing the Turkish giants to a third successive title.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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