Marseille Slap €31m Price Tag on Rising Star Imbula Amid Chelsea Interest
By BBC Sport | Football – Transfers
Olympique de Marseille have placed a €31 million valuation on midfielder Giannelli Imbula in a bid to deter growing interest from Europe’s elite, including Premier League giants Chelsea.
According to The Mirror, Chelsea are reigniting their long-standing interest in the 22-year-old Frenchman, who has impressed with a string of commanding performances in Ligue 1 this season. The London club had previously targeted Imbula before his 2013 move from Guingamp to Marseille for a fee reported to be around €8 million.
Chelsea’s continued pursuit appears serious. On Sunday, the club’s French scout, Guy Hillion — the same figure credited with recruiting Gaël Kakuta — was spotted at the Stade Vélodrome during Marseille’s latest fixture, fuelling speculation of a formal approach.
While Marseille are not actively looking to sell their midfield asset, sources suggest the club has made it clear that any potential suitor will have to meet a minimum valuation of €31 million. The substantial figure reflects not only Imbula’s current form but also his potential as one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders.
The French international, known for his strength, vision and ability to dictate play from deep, has become a key figure in Marcelo Bielsa’s resurgent Marseille side. His performances have also caught the eye of Juventus, with the Italian champions reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Marseille, under Bielsa’s guidance, have enjoyed a strong start to the season and are hopeful of maintaining their form through the second half of the campaign. Losing Imbula mid-season would be a significant blow, which explains the club’s tough stance in setting a high price tag.
With Chelsea facing midfield transitions of their own and always on the lookout for long-term reinforcements, a January move cannot be ruled out. However, the Blues — and any other interested party — will need to weigh the cost of such an investment against Marseille’s clear reluctance to part with their prized asset.
Imbula’s development continues to be closely monitored across Europe, and while Marseille have drawn a financial line in the sand, the coming transfer windows could still bring serious tests of their resolve.
