Chelsea Swoops In with Shock Bid for Arsenal's Top Striker Target Before January Window Opens
Chelsea have taken the initial step to outmaneuver Arsenal in securing Saint-Étienne forward Djylian N'Guessan, as reported by French media.
The 17-year-old France Under-20 representative is considered a promising talent in France and featured in eight matches for Saint-Étienne during the previous Ligue 1 campaign, gaining playing time despite the club's unsuccessful fight against relegation.
While N'Guessan was anticipated to become Saint-Étienne's primary striker this season in Ligue 2, he has only managed one appearance due to contractual disputes occurring behind closed doors. The promising forward's current deal runs until 2027, and according to L'Équipe, he is declining to extend his stay.
Unwilling to lose such a valuable player without compensation, Saint-Étienne have placed N'Guessan on the transfer market, with reports suggesting Chelsea have already submitted an initial bid of €8 million (£7 million, $9.4 million). This offer was turned down, as the French club is seeking approximately €12.5 million.
It remains uncertain whether Chelsea will submit an enhanced proposal. Saint-Étienne are hoping to create competitive bidding among Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Brentford also showing interest.
Chelsea's ownership group, BlueCo, which also controls French club Strasbourg, is committed to significant investment in emerging talent, though this approach hasn't consistently satisfied all supporters.
John Terry Urges Chelsea to Re-Sign Former Star
A frequent critique of Chelsea centers on the apparent shortage of veteran presence within Enzo Maresca's roster.
Following Raheem Sterling's exclusion, the senior-most regular squad member is 28-year-old center-back Tosin Adarabioyo, representing one of merely seven players over 25 years old.
Chelsea legend John Terry has advocated for the club to remedy this inexperience through a January reunion with 41-year-old defender Thiago Silva, who according to initial reports from Globo Esporte, seeks to depart Fluminense this winter and return to European football. His family stayed in London after leaving Chelsea in 2024, with his sons Isago and Iago participating in the Blues' youth system.
"Thiago Silva is accessible," Terry emphasized on TikTok. "Listen, here's someone with tremendous experience, someone who maintains strong ties with our club.
"His two children are in our academy, and undoubtedly he'll be returning to London with his family for the holidays. I would be thrilled to see this individual back at our club, playing alongside these current players.
"I'm not suggesting he needs to feature every match, but the wisdom he could provide, competing alongside someone of his caliber... It reminds me of my position under Antonio Conte in 2017 when we captured the title.
"I wasn't playing regularly, but I served an important function within the squad, acting as a liaison between players, management, and ownership, providing that veteran presence where sometimes, during challenging periods or successful runs, you understand what needs to be communicated, and he certainly offers that quality too.
"Therefore, Thiago Silva returning to Chelsea would bring immense joy to everyone, myself included, so perhaps it's possible? I'm simply putting the idea forward. Thiago, you have our affection."
Silva established himself as a beloved figure during his four-season tenure at Chelsea, recording 155 appearances for the Blues and claiming the Champions League title under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.