Chelsea are keen on bringing 1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala to the Premier League in the summer.
That’s according to Express.de, who name Chelsea as one of the clubs chasing the 19-year-old.
The Bundesliga side signed the winger from Viktoria Köln in June 2024 and sent him back on loan.
He arrived at FC Köln last summer and has starred in his debut season in the top division so far. El Mala scored eight goals and contributed four assists from 25 league matches.
His performances saw him make his debut for Germany’s U21s in September and he could be in the running for the senior team. His form has also attracted interest from several clubs over the course of this season.
Chelsea join race for El Mala
Brighton & Hove Albion continue to pursue the youngster, after failing to sign him in the last two windows.
Last month, Sport Witness relayed news of the Seagulls submitting a formal offer in the winter market. However, FC Köln turned it down.
On Tuesday, we covered claims from Germany of Chelsea and Newcastle United joining the race.
Express.de now back that up and cover the latest on the west London club’s efforts to try and sign him in the summer.
Blues stepping up for signing
Several clubs have already expressed interest in the Germany U21 international.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are in the picture, while both AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain have been monitoring El Mala.
Brighton remain keen on securing his services, and they’re going to be disappointed to say the least if Chelsea beat them.
Chelsea have held ‘concrete talks’ to bring the player to Stamford Bridge. It isn’t specified whether the Blues approached his camp, FC Köln or both, however. it’s likely they started with the player’s representatives.
El Mala parted ways with his agent and is now represented by his parents, Sabrina and Mohammed. That will be the route that Chelsea need to go down.
German’s contract and value
El Mala’s contract expires in 2030 and Transfermarkt value him at €40m. That increased from €3m [June 2025[ to €18m [October 2025] to now €40m.
Sport Witness recently covered claims that his club are asking €50m to sanction a move.
With growing competition, the price could rise further. That may not be an issue for Chelsea, but this could be one which is frustratingly slipping away from Brighton.
