TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Newcastle United are among the Premier League clubs keen on Chelsea target Ismael Doukoure.
Newcastle are after a right-sided centre-back and, with the club in the Champions League next season, this summer is especially important on the recruitment front.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are hoping to land Doukoure – who plays for Strasbourg, who are owned by BlueCo like the Blues – in 2026.
TBR Football can also reveal what the Blues’ plans are with a number of other players on Strasbourg’s books.
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Newcastle, Brentford, Brighton and Crystal Palace all keen on Chelsea target Ismael Doukoure
TBR Football understands that Chelsea are looking to fend off interest in Ismael Doukoure.
The 21-year-old has been a key performer for Liam Rosenior’s side this season and Chelsea have been keeping close tabs on him.
We can confirm that Chelsea’s plans for Doukoure are for him to arrive at Stamford Bridge in 2026.
As it stands, this is the same plan they have with striker Emanuel Emegha, although he could yet move this summer.
Chelsea already have a deal in place for Doukoure’s defensive partner Mamadou Sarr.
He is arriving this summer and is due to link up with the Blues for the Club World Cup – but thereafter he is expected to return to France on loan.
However, whilst Sarr will be back at Strasbourg, we are told that Doukoure may not, as there are a number of teams looking at him.
Statistic Per 90 Percentile
Non-Penalty Goals 0.03 50
Assists 0.03 64
Shot-Creating Actions 0.75 39
Passes Attempted 57.46 56
Pass Completion % 88.70% 67
Progressive Passes 3.96 68
Progressive Carries 0.68 60
Successful Take-Ons 0.44 88
Progressive Passes Rec 0.31 61
Tackles 1.36 43
Interceptions 0.85 24
Blocks 1.06 30
Ismael Doukoure stats over past 365 days compared to other centre-backs (FBRef)
We can reveal that Newcastle, Brentford, Brighton and Crystal Palace are all showing a keen interest in Doukoure – who is a French Under-21 international.
There is also major interest from Germany in Doukoure and it remains to be seen whether BlueCo will keep hold of him this summer.
If Doukoure insists he won’t go to Chelsea and would rather move elsewhere, then BlueCo would have a major decision to make – given he is out of contract next year.
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What Ismael Doukoure could bring to the Premier League
Doukoure has impressed for Strasbourg since his £1million move from Valenciennes in January 2022.
He has made 86 appearances for Strasbourg, registering two goals and two assists, and also represents France at Under-21 level.
Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig has described Doukoure as a ‘complete, dominant and elegant central defender’ and likened him to Dayot Upamecano.
Doukoure has also been described as a ‘modern defender who feels very comfortable and has good composure on the ball/press-resistant with good ball-playing ability’.