Report: Chelsea set to battle Arsenal in the race to sign French midfielder

Key Highlights

• That display has shifted the conversation from promise to urgency, both for Marseille and for the clubs circling. Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle are all now firmly alert, while Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund have also registered strong interest.
• However, it is Chelsea’s manoeuvring that stands out, particularly given their longer term midfield planning under Enzo Maresca. Marseille Push Extension Talks Into JanuaryWithin Marseille, the situation is viewed as a defining moment.
• Foot Mercato report that “this is the priority issue for the end of 2025 in the offices of the Commandery”, with an extension offer already placed in front of Bakola and his representatives.
• The midfielder is currently under contract until June 2027, but OM want clarity quickly. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe club believes it has delivered on its promises.
• As the article notes, “by integrating Bakola more and more frequently in the rotation (8 appearances in all competitions), until this baptism of fire in C1, the club believes it has fulfilled its part of the contract”.