Chelsea are on the verge of securing Watford’s Mathis Eboue, a 15-year-old talent already making waves at the youth level.
The son of Arsenal legend Emmanuel Eboue, Mathis has been impressing with his performances, featuring for Watford’s Under-21 side and shining on the international stage.
His recent heroics include a decisive goal in England’s Under-16 Challenge Trophy triumph against France.
Chelsea’s pursuit of young English players continues, with the club keen to finalize a compensation agreement with Watford. Discussions have been ongoing, but the transfer must meet the Premier League’s stringent youth development regulations, a process that could take up to three weeks.
The Blues are no strangers to navigating complicated youth transfers. Previous acquisitions like Zak Sturge and Shim Mheuka from Brighton involved tribunal settlements, with fees escalating into millions.
These precedents suggest Chelsea is prepared to meet Watford’s demands, though the exact figure remains under negotiation.
Mathis Eboue’s father, Emmanuel, carved out a memorable career with Arsenal, making over 200 appearances. He was a key figure in Arsène Wenger’s squad, playing in the 2006 Champions League final and earning two League Cup runner-up medals.
Emmanuel’s journey also included stints at Galatasaray and Sunderland, though his time in football was marred by personal challenges and a FIFA ban. His openness about battling depression post-retirement has inspired many.
Chelsea’s potential signing of Mathis not only reflects their investment in the future but also brings a nostalgic connection to Premier League fans familiar with the Eboue name.