Chelsea’s next signing confirmed as BlueCo reach agreement

Chelsea are reportedly expected to complete the signing of Strasbourg defender Ismael Doukoure during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Doukoure, 22, signed a new long-term contract at Strasbourg in August, after heavy speculation that he would leave the club over the summer, and he is now being primed to move to Stamford Bridge next year.

The Frenchman enjoyed an extremely impressive 2024-25 season under Liam Rosenior, racking up 32 appearances across all competitions, and several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, were interested in signing him before he agreed fresh terms with Strasbourg.

That is according to TBR Football, who also claim that Chelsea have a secret plan in place to sign the defender from their sister club next year.

Doukoure was reportedly handed a “significant pay rise” when he signed his new contract at Strasbourg in August, while the deal also included a pathway to follow current team-mate Emanuel Emegha to Chelsea in 2026.

Emegha, 22, was announced as Chelsea’s third signing of the 2026 summer transfer window in early September, and Doukoure is set to complete the same transfer after an impressive stint in Ligue 1.

Chelsea and Strasbourg are both owned by BlueCo and a total of 11 players have moved between the clubs since 2023, including Djordje Petrovic and Andrey Santos.

Chelsea expected to sign Ismael Doukoure

In addition to Newcastle, Doukoure was also reportedly wanted by Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and several others clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia.

However, Strasbourg rebuffed any approaches for the 22-year-old and he is now expected to join Chelsea for an undisclosed transfer fee in 2026.

Doukoure is set to bolster the centre-back roster available to Enzo Maresca, although he is also capable of providing depth at right-back and in a defensive midfield role.

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