Chelsea take transfer action: Talks begin for Mbappe’s heir

Robin Bairner

8 May 2025 08:00 CDT
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea have initiated transfer talks in their summer search for a striker, and they can do so with a strong degree of confidence that they will get a man who could be considered Kylian Mbappe’s heir in Ligue 1.

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While the Blues have explored some of the leading strikers in the game, including Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, it appears that owner Todd Boehly will first move for a striker within his grasp.

Chelsea are set to make a move for Emanuel Emegha, who plays for BlueCo outfit Strasbourg in Ligue 1.

STATS

Emanuel Emegha

F (C)

Strasbourg

Emanuel Emegha

F (C)

Strasbourg

27

Games
14

Goals
3

Assists

It was previously revealed that the Blues had grown interested in the exploits of the Netherlands U21 striker in France, but they have now taken concrete steps in a bid to bring the 22-year-old to Stamford Bridge for next season, FootMercato reports.

Emegha’s profile has impressed the decision makers at Chelsea, with the striker having netted 14 league goals this season, with 11 of these arriving in 2025.

Talks have now started between the clubs, with a long-term contract under discussion.

Unsurprisingly, given the talks are between two BlueCo sides, there are not thought to be too many troubles with regards transfer negotiations, though no fee has been made public.

Emegha has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €24.3 million, having signed for Strasbourg from Sturm Graz for €13m.

A unique weapon

As well as a strong finisher, Emegha possesses outrageous pace, taking up the mantle of Mbappe as the fastest striker in Ligue 1. No player in the whole league has been clocked at a higher pace than his 37.72km/h.

The comparisons to Real Madrid forward Mbappe stop there. His capacity for work, for example, is remarkable. While he clocks 25 sprints per game, the average Ligue 1 striker comes in with just 10.

Emegha is also much more of a physical threat in the box in terms of his height. He may find he needs to put on muscle to compete at the sharp end of the Premier League, however.

Although Emegha has enjoyed an excellent campaign with Strasbourg, Chelsea believe that he is not close to reaching his peak yet. Previous reports even suggest they could sign him plus another centre-forward to support Nicolas Jackson.

Newcastle United are another club to watch with regards the young Dutchman, who has made no secret of his desire to move to the Premier League.

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