Arsenal are among the clubs keeping an eye on Darryl Bakola as Marseille look to extend the teenager’s contract, according to a report.
Sebastien Denis reports for Foot Mercato that 18-year-old midfielder Darryl Bakola is in talks with his current club Olympique Marseille over a contract extension, with his existing deal lasting until June 2027.
Marseille believe they’ve fulfilled their end of the bargain with Bakola, giving him his senior debut and a Champions League appearance among the 10 first-team games he’s played in 2025.
They’ve now made a concrete contract offer to the player, so the decision on his future is in his hands.
Yet if Bakola doesn’t accept the deal soon, Marseille are keen to avoid a lengthy transfer saga and could even consider letting him leave in January.
Foot Mercato report that Chelsea, Newcastle United, VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund, and Arsenal are all very interested, and they’re watching the situation closely to see Bakola’s response.
Bakola’s stock in England likely received a boost on the day of that Champions League debut, which was against one of his potential suitors in Newcastle United. The teenager provided an assist for Marseille’s equaliser on the night, ultimately helping his team to a win.
A France u20 international, Bakola will be particularly appealing to the English clubs because he’s already 18.
English teams are no longer able to sign under-18 players from European countries until they reach adulthood, weakening their negotiating position for 16 or 17-year-old talents.
Arsenal have to convince such a player to wait until their 18th birthday to sign, whereas a European club can bring them in and give them games immediately.
Since Bakola turned 18 in November, he’s available now, with just a year and a half on his contract. This could be the time to snap him up.