It is safe to say that the BlueCo multi-club model has been used on a consistent basis by Chelsea and Strasbourg in recent seasons. Plenty of players have headed to France on loan in order to gain experience. Right now, Mike Penders has established himself as a starter for the French Ligue 1 side while Kendry Paez is playing a consistent role as well.
Of course, it is no secret that Strasbourg fans are not exactly happy with the BlueCo structure. That being said, one cannot argue with the success that it has brought to the club, as they currently sit at 3rd in Ligue 1.
Before the takeover, this was a team that consistently finished in the bottom half of the table. For a long while, they were not even in Ligue 1. So, the complaints are hard to understand to be honest. It is Chelsea that are trying to find their former glory.
Chelsea are already set to sign Emanuel Emegha from Strasbourg in the future. The striker has 4 goals and 2 assists in 6 appearances this season but is dealing with injury problems as well. On the other hand, it looks like the Blues already have their eyes on another one of the French club's players.
Chelsea leading race to sign €30 million-rated defender
As reported by CaughtOffside, Chelsea appear to be in the strongest position in the race to sign Guela Doue from Strasbourg. The French club are in no rush to part ways and will look for a fee expected to be north of €30 million.
Doue has made a fantastic start this season. He has scored once and assisted twice in four Ligue 1 appearances despite being a defender.
Doue plays mostly as a right-back although he can play as a centre-back as well. Of course, one has to wonder what such a move would mean for someone like Malo Gusto, or even Josh Acheampong, who has the similar ability to play in both those positions and is trying to nail down a spot in the team right now.