Chelsea have confirmed a pre-contract agreement with Strasbourg for the signing of Emanuel Emegha, with the Dutch striker set to complete his move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2026.

The deal ends months of speculation, with the Blues outpacing Premier League rivals to secure one of Ligue 1’s most promising forwards.

Emanuel Emegha chooses to finish business in France

Emegha, 22, has developed steadily across Europe, rising from Sparta Rotterdam to Royal Antwerp, before flourishing with Sturm Graz and then Strasbourg.

Since arriving in France in 2023, he has scored 26 goals in 64 appearances, including 14 goals and three assists last season as Liam Rosenior’s side sealed Conference League qualification.

It’s understood that the Dutch under-21 international opted to remain in France this season to gain European experience with Strasbourg before heading to England.

He will sign a seven-year contract with Chelsea, officially joining next summer once the 2025/26 campaign concludes.

A growing Chelsea-Strasbourg pipeline

Emegha is the latest example of the strong link between Chelsea and Strasbourg under BlueCo ownership.

This summer alone, Ben Chilwell, Mathis Amougou and Ishe Samuels Smith made permanent moves to the Ligue 1 side, while Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders and Kendry Paez joined on loan.

Julio Enciso was also recruited permanently from Brighton with the expectation that he too will make the move to Stamford Bridge in due course.

For Chelsea, Emegha becomes the fifth attacking addition under Enzo Maresca following Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Marc Guiu and Joao Felix.

His signing continues the Blues’ aggressive strategy of stockpiling young, versatile forwards ahead of a long-term rebuild.

A major move despite ongoing turbulence

The announcement comes against the backdrop of Chelsea facing 74 alleged breaches of FA rules spanning 2009 to 2022 under Roman Abramovich’s ownership.

While the club now awaits the outcome of those charges, their long-term recruitment drive remains firmly in motion.

Emegha’s imminent arrival signals both ambition and forward planning, with Chelsea securing a rising European talent before his value escalates further.