Talent acquisition is nothing new to Chelsea, but their present striker situation continues to eclipse any enthusiasm for fresh hires. None of them have established themselves as a true number nine, even if Chelsea’s leading scorer, Cole Palmer, plays in midfield and is joined by Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea is reportedly showing more interest in Strasbourg’s Emmanuel Emegha, a striker whose recent play is drawing attention throughout Europe, according to Foot Mercato. The Dutch youth international has scored 14 goals in Ligue 1 this season, making him the fifth-leading scorer in the division.
Since Chelsea and RC Strasbourg share ownership through the BlueCo consortium, Chelsea has a very positive internal evaluation of Emegha. A more seamless negotiating process when the summer transfer season opens may be made possible by this arrangement.
Transfermarkt currently values the 21-year-old striker, who was acquired by Strasbourg from Sturm Graz in 2023 for €13 million, at almost €20 million. With his towering 1.95-meter presence, electrifying speed (he can fly at 37.72 km/h, which makes him the fastest player in Ligue 1), and unwavering work ethic, his profile is unique.
£21m fastest player in his league holds talks to join Chelsea
The 22-year-old Emegha is reportedly eager to transfer to Stamford Bridge and has already discussed joining Chelsea with his representatives, according to Foot Mercato. With 14 goals in 27 French top-flight games, the tall Dutchman is now Ligue 1’s fifth-leading striker. Chelsea’s link with their sister club may even be very helpful in expediting a possible trade for him.
Rumored to cost roughly £21 million, Emegha is a cost-effective choice for Maresca and has been ranked as France’s fastest player this season. Emegha has emerged as a strong left-field target, and Chelsea executives will be thinking creatively given the intense competition for Europe’s most prominent center forwards.
Since Chelsea and RC Strasbourg are sister clubs, they should have little trouble reaching an agreement. If the West London powerhouses want to beat the competition to sign the young Dutch striker during the summer transfer window, they only need to look at Emegha.
