Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing 18-year-old French midfield sensation Darryl Bakola from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille next year.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are interested in Darryl Bakola. The three Premier League clubs are keen on bolstering their first-team squads by signing a versatile midfielder. So, the 18-year-old Marseille midfield sensation has emerged as a target for them.
Who is Darryl Bakola?
Darryl Bakola is the latest promising prodigy to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Clichy, the Frenchman has spent his formative years thus far in France, passing through the academies at FC Asnières, Racing Club de France, and Red Star FC before graduating from Marseille’s youth division.
The 18-year-old has already made ten appearances for Marseille while chipping in with one assist. Meanwhile, Bakola’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are among the prospective suitors vying for the French midfield prospect’s signature.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Arsenal will dip into the market for a midfielder next year despite signing Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window. However, Norgaard is on the wrong side of 30, compelling the Gunners to scour the market for a young prospect. Several players, including Ayyoub Bouaddi, have thus emerged on Arsenal’s radar, with Bakola also a viable target.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in Darryl Bakola is surprising yet understandable. While Enzo Maresca has a stacked midfield unit, Romeo Lavia and Darrio Essugo have struggled with fitness issues this season. So, Bakola is an option worth considering for Chelsea, with the West London club “making moves behind the scenes” to land the Frenchman.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies have a stacked midfield unit. However, Joelinton’s long-term future is uncertain, while Joe Willock will likely depart from St. James’ Park in the winter transfer window amid his links with several Premier League clubs. So, Bakola is a viable target for Newcastle United.
Apart from the three Premier League clubs, Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart are also keen on signing Bakola. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 18-year-old French midfield sensation, with Marseille keen on keeping hold of him for the long haul.
