Chelsea have made a formal approach to sign Villarreal’s rising star Karl Etta Eyong, offering the 21-year-old striker a five-year contract that would keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2030.
The English club is reportedly keen to secure the signature of the Cameroonian forward, whose performances this season have drawn considerable attention across Europe.
Eyong has impressed with his sharp finishing and consistent goal-scoring form, becoming one of the breakout talents in Spanish football.
Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Chelsea’s proposal also includes an immediate loan move to Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg for the 2025–26 campaign.
The intention is to ensure regular first-team football for Eyong in a competitive setting while allowing him to continue his development before returning to London.
The West London club appears eager to lock in young talent early, and Eyong’s profile aligns with their long-term recruitment strategy.
A product of the Galactique Douala academy in Cameroon, Eyong has rapidly ascended through the ranks, drawing plaudits for his physicality, positional intelligence, and natural eye for goal.
This season, the forward has netted 19 goals for Villarreal B in Spain’s third division, showcasing both consistency and flair in front of goal.
His performances have not gone unnoticed by the first-team staff either, with Eyong making his La Liga debut and marking the occasion with a goal — further solidifying his status as one of the most promising young attackers in Spanish football.
Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit. French outfit Toulouse, along with Spanish sides Getafe and Leganés, are also monitoring Eyong’s progress closely.
These clubs view him as a low-risk, high-upside signing capable of making an impact at senior level.
Eyong’s international experience with Cameroon adds another layer of appeal. Though still early in his national team journey, his inclusion in the senior squad signals growing confidence in his potential from the Cameroonian football establishment.
While Villarreal have not made any public comments regarding Chelsea’s offer, the Spanish club now finds itself in a strong negotiating position.
With multiple suitors interested and Eyong’s contract situation under the spotlight, the coming weeks may prove pivotal in deciding his future.
If the deal materialises, Eyong would follow in the footsteps of other African players who have made a name for themselves at Chelsea.
The Blues’ plan to loan him to Strasbourg — a club within the same ownership group — suggests a clear development path designed to help the striker transition smoothly into the Premier League in the coming years.
Eyong’s camp has not issued an official response to Chelsea’s offer, but negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days as the summer transfer window heats up.
For now, the football world will be watching closely as one of Africa’s brightest young forwards prepares for the next chapter of his rapidly rising career.
