Chelsea's next wonderkid target revealed

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 22 Sept 2025 11:11 BST
• 4 min read

News

Chelsea have reportedly earmarked their next wonderkid target as they continue to chase the best young talents in world football.

Enzo Maresca’s side have almost solely signed players aged 23 or under since the arrival of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly as their new owners in 2022, and the west London giants are set to persist with their current transfer strategy next year.

Current ETV

Mohamed Kader Meïté

F (C)

Stade Rennais

Mohamed Kader Meïté

F (C)

Stade Rennais

€9.7M

ETV Range

€8.2M - €11.2M

View full profile

Chelsea have already finalised the signings of Geovany Quenda, Emanuel Emegha and Denner, all of whom will arrive at Stamford Bridge next summer, and they are now lining up a move for Stade Rennais youngster Mohamed Kader Meite.

That is according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, who claim that Meite has been identified as a concrete transfer target for the reigning Club World Cup champions.

The 17-year-old striker has already made 18 first-team appearances for Rennes, scoring three goals, and he has featured in all five of their Ligue 1 matches so far this season.

Chelsea chase Mohamed Kader Meite

Meite started Rennes’ opening two games of the campaign, although he was substituted in the 37th minute against Marseille, before being hooked just 16 minutes into their 4-0 defeat to Lorient.

However, the teenager is still considered to be one of the top striker prospects in Europe and he displayed his credentials with a match-winning cameo appearance against Olympique Lyon last weekend.

Meite was brought on in the 69th minute, with Rennes trailing 1-0 thanks to a Corentin Tolisso header. He subsequently provided the assist for Anthony Rouault’s equaliser, before his powerful shot cannoned off Lyon goalkeeper Remy Deschamps to put Rennes 2-1 up in stoppage time. He then netted in the 95th minute to secure a famous comeback victory.

His development at Rennes has caught the attention of multiple top clubs across Europe, however Chelsea are currently the frontrunners for his signature as they look to finalise a deal in 2026.

The Blues have signed four strikers so far this calendar year - namely Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Dastan Satpaev and the aforementioned Emegha - while the talented Shumaira Mheuka is performing extremely well for the club’s U21 side. However, Chelsea remain interested in bringing Meite to Stamford Bridge and they are expected to intensify their pursuit of his signature over the next few months.

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