Chelsea and Fulham look to sign Arthur Atta

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January 4, 2026 10:26 GMT (UK), by Ketan Patel

Chelsea and Fulham will battle to sign Udinese and France under-20 international defensive midfielder Arthur Atta, as the 22-year-old seeks a move to the Premier League after impressing in Serie A so far this season. Fulham have had a bid of £22 million rejected by the Udine outfit, and Chelsea are expected to capitalise and improve that offer with a bid of £27 million.

Atta began his career in France with AS Saint Jacques before moving to Rennes for seven years between 2011 and 2018. Metz then made a bid for the 15-year-old, before making his debut for Metz’s B squad in 2021 aged 18, moving to the full squad in 2022. 

In 2025 Udinese paid around 15 million euros for the Frenchman, and he has since played 8 times in the Italian top flight.

Fulham manager Marco Silva is eagerly seeking defensive reinforcements and in Atta the club are confident they are acquiring an immediate first-team option. Chelsea, on the other hand, want to sign Atta as a long-term prospect and see him as a midfielder for the club’s future rather than an immediate starter.