Chelsea have laid out a plan for the future of Strasbourg defender Ismael Doukoure, who they want at Stamford Bridge in 2026.
According to TBR, Chelsea have some big plans for the players owned by parent company BlueCo. They have now made plans for rising defender Ismael Doukoure, whom they want at Stamford Bridge in 2026. Sister club Strasbourg rejected several approaches for the defender during the summer, which may point towards a future move to London.
Chelsea and Strasbourg have a relationship that has been built under the umbrella of their common ownership through BlueCo. The two teams have exchanged players either on loan or permanently over the last few years, and so far, those dealings have had a positive effect.
Now, Chelsea have already set their sights on a few of Strasbourg’s players ahead of the summer of 2026. For instance, they have offered a long-term contract to Emanuel Emegha, while they have also set sights on defender Ismael Doukoure.
Many teams angled for a move to sign the defender during the summer, but BlueCo rejected approaches, as they have a plan in place for the 22-year-old Ligue 1 sensation’s future. Doukoure has performed well over three full seasons at Strasbourg, and Chelsea are set to benefit from that experience.
Chelsea have laid out a plan for the defender to join them in the summer of 2026, which does rule out a January move. Reports were stating Doukoure was in talks with the Blues earlier in the summer, but those were considered rumours. However, the 22-year-old Ligue 1 sensation is now looking poised to make his entry at Stamford Bridge next summer.
Chelsea could target another name in January
Chelsea are short in the defensive setup, and there were suggestions that they could target a move for Doukoure as soon as January. However, they have set out a plan for the 22-year-old Ligue 1 sensation to come in next summer if things are in the right place, but that does not rule out a defensive move in the winter window for another player.
Chelsea are interested in Joel Ordonez, and could approach to bring the defender in January to shore up their weak backline. It remains to be seen whether there are other names on their list, but there’s a distinct possibility for a centre-back to arrive in the winter window.