Chelsea are in the mix to snap up FC Cologne winger Said El Mala, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The German has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Brighton and Newcastle, but Romano claims the Blues are also a serious contender for his signature:

“It’s TRUE what’s being reported on Chelsea and Said El Mala. They are following him, several clubs involved, it will be a big fight in the next few weeks for him.”

FC Cologne are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of €40m (£35m) for El Mala ahead of the summer transfer window.

El Mala has had an impressive debut season in the Bundesliga

While the teenager actually joined FC Cologne in the summer of 2024, he was left on loan at Viktoria Cologne for the 2024/25 campaign.

El Mala made his Bundesliga debut against Mainz at the end of August last year, and he scored his first goal against Freiburg a week later.

The 19-year-old has found the back of the net 9 times and provided 4 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this season.

The Chelsea target has been called up by Germany

El Mala has made such a big impression that national team manager Julian Nagelsmann included him in his squad for the World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg back in November.

The forward was named on the substitutes bench for the 2-0 away win, although he did not make it onto the pitch.

El Mala is undoubtedly seen as one of the brightest young prospects in German football, and while there has been some talk that he could join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, English teams have shown the most serious interest.

Brighton, in particular, have been pushing hard to recruit the youngster, so Chelsea may have to move fast if they want to secure his services.

Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here