Chelsea and Newcastle United gain an advantage in signing Said El Mala as Brighton & Hove Albion withdraws their interest. El Mala, a standout winger for Cologne, is expected to leave this summer amid interest from Bayern Munich.
Boost for Chelsea: PL rival out of race for Bayern-linked attacker
Chelsea and Newcastle United may have received a huge boost in the race to sign Said El Mala after Brighton & Hove Albion cool their interest.
A host of clubs including Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for El Mala, who has been enjoying a fantastic campaign for Cologne.
The dazzling left-footed winger is almost certain to leave the German club this summer, and Brighton were thought to be leading the race.
According to a report from Kölner Stadtanzeiger, Brighton are unwilling to meet Cologne’s €50m valuation, as they feel it is way too much.
Christian Falk previously the situation for CFBayern Insider: “It is TRUE: Brighton are in the lead for Said El Mala. But it could be that other interested clubs still have a chance in this race, like Newcastle and Chelsea.
That’s because the Brighton offer was about €35m plus €4m in add-ons, and Cologne want €50m. If they don’t get this money, perhaps they’ll be open to talking with Chelsea again. This could happen.
Brighton & Hove Albion has cooled their interest in Said El Mala, allowing Chelsea and Newcastle United to gain an advantage in the transfer race.
Said El Mala has attracted interest from several clubs, including Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Bayern Munich.
Brighton's withdrawal from the race for Said El Mala significantly boosts Chelsea's chances of securing the talented winger this summer.
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“At the moment, the way is clear – El Mala looks very likely to be playing Premier League football next season. Now we have to see whether he ends up at Brighton, which is the current plan, or if FC Köln say it won’t work because of the money on the table.”
Now, the fresh report claims that a lengthy discussion took place last Thursday between Cologne’s management, the player, and his family, who now represent him.
In the meeting, Brighton’s withdrawal from the pursuit was likely also discussed. Cologne’s management is now hoping for better offers, which could boost the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Christian Falk told exclusively to CFBayern that Bayern are not looking to sign El Mala at the moment.
The 19-year-old was considered an option before they switched their targets to Anthony Gordon, who could leave Newcastle United in the summer window.
The Bavarian giants basically want a versatile forward who can play in multiple roles, and Gordon fits the bill.
They want to complete his transfer in the summer, and that’s their main target.
Thus, with Bayern almost out of the race for El Mala, the door is left open for Chelsea or Newcastle to sign the highly-rated German attacker.