Overview
- French outlet Foot Mercato reports that Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle are monitoring the Marseille midfielder, with interest understood to be at the tracking stage rather than a concluded move.
- Chelsea are reportedly exploring a buy-and-loan pathway that would see Bakola signed and then sent to Strasbourg to secure regular minutes.
- Bakola is a France under-20 international who has made eight first-team appearances this season, including seven in Ligue 1, after rising from Marseille’s academy.
- He is under contract until June 2027, and Marseille have tabled an extension, with Foot Mercato indicating a winter sale cannot be ruled out if no quick agreement is reached.
- EPL Index, citing Foot Mercato, notes German interest from Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund following a standout Champions League display that included an assist against Newcastle.