Chelsea ask for information on France wonderkid who could be the next Paul Pogba
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Chelsea have reportedly asked for information on Saint-Etienne midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath who has drawn comparisons with Man Utd’s Paul Pogba. The Blues have been monitoring the 17-year-old for some time.
The defensive midfielder has already made 30 appearances for the Saint-Etienne first team.
Gourna-Douath made his senior debut in September and has already drawn interest from a number of Europe’s leading clubs.
Since making his debut against Strasbourg last season, Gourna-Douath went on to make 25 appearances for the Ligue 1 club.
The France Under-17s captain spent his Under-14s season playing for US Torcy, a club that Paul Pogba also represented as a youngster.
And his long-term future at Saint-Etienne looks uncertain due to the financial struggles that Ligue 1 clubs outside of PSG are suffering from following the collapse of their TV deal with Mediapro, as well as the Covid pandemic.
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Chelsea are one of three European clubs to have asked for more information with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen the other two according to RMC Sport.
All three are interested in sealing a permanent move for the 17-year-old before his value increases further.
Italian side Atalanta who are known for developing talented young players are trying to bring him to Seria A but the €10m they are offering is not enough for the Ligue 1 side.
And any clubs looking to prise the teenager away from France this summer are set to be disappointed.
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According to RMC Sport, Gourna-Douath’s preference is to remain at Saint-Etienne for one more season.
The midfielder is under contract until 2023 and hopes to develop further at his boyhood club before considering a move.
Therefore, the Ligue 1 club are hoping to extend his current deal to 2025 although limited finances may be an obstacle which could force the club to sell if they receive a high offer.
However at present, no club looks likely to make a suitable offer.
Chelsea have had a quiet transfer window so far with their only signing being Marcus Bettinelli on a free from Fulham.
Their first competitive action of the season comes in Europe.
Having won last season’s Champions League, the Blues will take on Europa League winners Villareal in the UEFA Super Cup on August 11.
After that, they begin their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on August 14.
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