In a twist that has electrified the Premier League and left fans in disbelief, Chelsea have launched a daring, under-the-radar move to prise Jérémy Doku away from Manchester City.
The 22-year-old Belgian winger, once hailed as one of Europe’s most thrilling young attackers, has struggled to cement his place under Pep Guardiola’s intricate, possession-heavy approach — and Chelsea believe this is their chance to strike.
The €60 Million Gamble
Acting with stealth, Chelsea’s decision-makers — co-owner Behdad Eghbali alongside sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley — tabled a formal €60 million bid for Doku.
Insiders reveal the proposal was kept under wraps to avoid sparking a bidding war and to catch City off balance before the transfer market heats up.
This pursuit is about more than simply adding depth. For Chelsea, it’s a show of intent.
With Raheem Sterling blowing hot and cold, and Mykhailo Mudryk still struggling for consistency, Mauricio Pochettino is desperate for a winger who combines raw speed, directness, and the ability to beat defenders at will — qualities Doku offers in abundance.
City’s Shock Response
However, just as Chelsea sensed they had a real shot, City’s reply turned the situation on its head. Instead of flatly rejecting the offer, the reigning champions countered with an extraordinary condition: they would only consider letting Doku go if Chelsea agreed to a swap deal involving one of their highly-rated young midfielders — with Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei among the potential names on the table.
This unexpected request stunned Chelsea’s hierarchy. City rarely push for player exchanges, and their targeted focus on Chelsea’s emerging midfield talents hints at Guardiola quietly planning for a future beyond Kevin De Bruyne.
Doku’s Growing Frustration
Behind the scenes, whispers of Doku’s discontent have been building. After a bright start following his move from Rennes, the winger has seen his game time dwindle in big matches, as Guardiola often prefers the tactical discipline of Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden.
Those close to him suggest he’s eager for a team where he can play with greater freedom — and Chelsea’s energetic, youthful project under Pochettino could be the ideal stage.
More Than a Transfer
This potential move is as much about footballing philosophy as it is about personnel. Chelsea are pushing to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite through bold, unpredictable business, while City are subtly reshaping their squad for the next era.
If a deal is struck, it could set off a chain reaction — with Chelsea possibly parting with a prized prospect and City acquiring a future midfield cornerstone. For Doku, it could be the fresh start he’s been craving.
One thing is clear: with weeks left in the window, this high-stakes Doku pursuit could be the opening salvo in a late-summer transfer storm.
