Arsenal are "very" keen on signing 18yo UCL starlet alongside Chelsea

Arsenal could compete with Chelsea to sign Marseille midfielder Darryl Bakola during the winter transfer window, according to Foot Mercato.

The 18-year-old has had his breakout season at the French outfit this campaign, and he has so far made eight appearances in all competitions.

Despite his limited playing time, his potential has grabbed the attention of elite European clubs.

Chelsea are already planning a potential move for the talented playmaker. They could loan him out to sister club Strasbourg next season.

However, they are set to face competition from other clubs, including Arsenal, who are reportedly ‘very interested’ in securing Bakola’s services.

Marseille have already placed a concrete contract offer on the player’s table, but they have yet to receive the green light from the youngster.

Bakola’s current deal expires in June 2027, and the Ligue 1 outfit don’t want to lose him on the cheap.

A winter transfer has not been ruled out if there is no resolution to his contract in the near future.

Bakola to Arsenal talk could be agent-driven

The teenager is primarily an attacking midfielder. He has managed just 114 minutes this term. 62 of those came during the 2-1 Champions League win over Newcastle United last month.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi started Bakola in the number 10 role against the Magpies. He provided an assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and also impressed with other attributes.

The Frenchman completed 88 percent of his passes and won 100 percent of his duels (3/3). He also made two recoveries and induced three fouls from the Magpies at the Stade Velodrome.

Barring that appearance, Bakola has not done anything noticeable at Les Phoceens. We believe the speculation could be agent-driven to secure him a move to a bigger club.

Arsenal are obviously an attractive destination with the progress made under manager Mikel Arteta, but they are unlikely to pursue another attacking midfielder in the near future.

The club already have Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri. Nwaneri has hardly played in recent months, and there is a possibility that he could be loaned out next month.

The Gunners have also invested with the future in mind. They are set to sign wonderkids Victor Ozhianvuna and Holger Quintero in January and August 2027 for the number 10 role.

Arsenal are well covered in the position for the present and future and have no need to recruit Bakola.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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