A move to Chelsea is a “tempting prospect” for Strasbourg defender Ismael Doukoure, according to reports in the French media.
The 22-year-old has been frozen out at his current club after refusing to sign a new contract.
Doukoure is currently set to leave Strasbourg at the end of the season, but L’Equipe claim that he could make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues reportedly tried to secure the centre-back’s signature earlier this summer, but despite the two teams having the same owner, no deal was agreed.
There is now a possibility that Doukoure will join Enzo Maresca’s side on a free transfer next summer.
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What do fans need to know about Doukoure?
The defender went through the academies of several teams before making his senior debut for Valenciennes against Sochaux in a 2-2 draw in October 2020.
Doukoure spent the next 18 months playing for the Ligue 2 outfit before he was snapped up by Strasbourg during the January 2022 transfer window.
The centre-half has played for France up to Under 23 level, having been part of the Olympic squad last year before starting on a regular basis at the European Under 21 Championships earlier this summer.
Although Doukore is ostensibly a defender, he can also be deployed as a holding midfielder if required.
Don’t Chelsea need to sign a replacement for Colwill now?
Head coach Enzo Maresca has signalled publicly that he would like the club to bring in cover for the injured Levi Colwill before September 1st.
The England international picked up an ACL earlier this month and he is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Doukoure is unlikely to be the top choice for Maresca but there is a chance that his move could be brought forward to reinforce his options at the back.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here