Chelsea are not currently pursuing Koln winger Said El Mala, despite recent reports linking the 19-year-old with a move to Stamford Bridge, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg. The update significantly alters the landscape of a transfer that was previously thought to be gaining momentum.
El Mala has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s breakout stars this season, scoring 12 goals in his debut top-flight campaign for a Koln side that ultimately secured their league status. This form has attracted interest from several clubs, and Koln have now shifted their position from hoping to retain the player to actively seeking a sale to raise funds after significant spending following their promotion.
Koln are reportedly hoping to receive a fee of around €50 million for El Mala, a figure that would make him the club’s record sale, surpassing the fee received for Lukas Podolski. Several clubs have been linked with the Germany international, including Bayern Munich, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Newcastle United. Brighton were particularly persistent in their pursuit, submitting multiple bids last summer and in January, with their most recent offer believed to be €35 million, but were ultimately unsuccessful.
Recent reports suggested that El Mala’s mother, who now represents him, was favouring a move to Chelsea with a potential loan back to Koln for a year. However, Plettenberg’s report contradicts these claims, stating there is currently no concrete interest from the Blues. Bayern Munich are also reported to be hesitant, deeming Koln’s asking price excessive and prioritizing a move for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.
Brighton remain interested in El Mala and are monitoring the situation, anticipating that Koln may be forced to lower their demands if a €50 million bid does not materialize. El Mala himself is reportedly open to a transfer to the Premier League, confident in his ability to succeed in England despite his relative inexperience. The transfer saga is expected to continue for several weeks, potentially months, as Koln seek to secure a significant fee for their prized asset.
