Chelsea transfer boost as St. Etienne prepare £22m sale of 17-year-old rising talent

Chelsea transfer boost as St. Etienne prepare Lucas Gourna-Douath sale

According to FootMercato (h/t The Sun), St. Etienne are ready to sell Lucas Gourna-Douath, who has been linked to Chelsea. The French side are willing to sanction a deal for the 17-year-old if a bid of £22million comes in.

As one of the rising stars in Ligue 1, Gourna-Douath has become a vital part of St. Etienne. He has already played for the senior side 23 times this season. A deep-lying central midfielder, manager Claude Puel wants him to stay at the club for a long time. Even the player is interested in the same.

Lucas Gourna Douath 33 – Saint Etienne – FOOTBALL : Reims vs Saint Etienne – Ligue 1 – Reims – 09/01/2021 FedericoPestellini/Panoramic.

However, due to the economic impact of the pandemic, the French side are willing to let him as well as a few more players, go. The club sold the likes of Wesley Fofana and William Saliba in the summer and it could continue with Gourna-Douath.

There will be competition for the Blues though, with AC Milan and RB Leipzig also interested in the youngster. The player’s representatives are preparing for any possible move including one to England.

Claude Puel avec Lucas Gourna-Douath et Julien Sable avec Maxence Rivera entraineur saint etienne FOOTBALL : AS Saint Etienne vs Nimes Olympique – Ligue 1 Uber Eats – 20/12/2020 FredericChambert/Panoramic.

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While Chelsea don’t really need any more central midfielders for the first-team, Lucas Gourna-Douath can be a good addition to their flourishing academy. Chelsea have promoted players from the academy in recent times and the same could be followed for him in case Chelsea can strike a deal.