Aston Villa and Chelsea are among the prospective suitors keen on signing 23-year-old Ivory Coast international Guela Doue from Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Guela Doue is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a right-back in one of the next two transfer windows. So, the 23-year-old RC Strasbourg defender has emerged as a target for the West London outfit.
However, the 2024/25 FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League winners are not alone in the race to sign the Angers-born defender, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Brighton & Hove Albion also keen on securing his services. Meanwhile, RC Strasbourg will demand around €30 million to part ways with the young full-back.
Guela Doue and his career so far
Guela Doue has established himself as one of the most promising young full-backs in Ligue 1 in the last few years. The Angers native spent his formative years with Stade Rennais after joining the Ligue 1 club’s youth division in 2011 before rapidly progressing through the ranks. However, the 23-year-old has seen his stock skyrocket since joining RC Strasbourg last year.
The Ivory Coast international has chipped in with two goals and four assists in nearly 50 outings thus far for RC Strasbourg. Meanwhile, Doue’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Premier League outfits, in particular, are keen on signing the young full-back, with Aston Villa and Chelsea among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Chelsea’s interest in Guela Doue is surprising. Enzo Maresca already has two top-notch right-backs in his squad, and Reece James has made considerable improvement in his fitness. Meanwhile, Malo Gusto has been an excellent deputy to James. So, it is surprising that Chelsea may pursue Doue in the coming weeks. Nevertheless, the Blues are the front-runners to secure his services.
As for Aston Villa, while Matty Cash has been solid on the right flank for the West Midlands club, Andres Garcia has struggled to make his mark since arriving at Villa Park earlier this year. So, Aston Villa can do with a new right-back, with Doue emerging as a viable target.
Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion are also keen on signing Doue from RC Strasbourg, with the Ligue 1 outfit valuing him at around €30 million. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 23-year-old Ivory Coast international.