Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea are exploring a unique arrangement for Nigeria-eligible striker Emanuel Emegha that would see the forward remain at Strasbourg until 2026 despite a potential summer transfer.

According to Romano, Chelsea's interest in the 22-year-old striker is genuine, but their strategy involves signing Emegha while allowing him to continue his development in France for the next season.

"There was no chance of Nigeria-eligible striker Emanuel Emegha joining Chelsea this summer," Romano stated, clarifying that the London club's plan would keep the forward at the French Ligue 1 club until 2026.

Strasbourg reportedly wants Emegha to help them in next season's UEFA Conference League playoff round, making this arrangement potentially beneficial for all parties involved.

The young striker has impressed in France, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists in 27 appearances in the recently concluded Ligue 1 season. Despite this strong showing, Emegha finished behind established forwards including Ousmane Dembele, Mason Greenwood, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Jonathan David, and Alexandre Lacazette in the league's goal-scoring charts.

Emegha joined Strasbourg in 2023 after previous stints with KRSV Vredenburch, Sparta Rotterdam, Royal Antwerp, and Sturm Graz, steadily building his reputation as a promising attacking talent.

This potential deal aligns with Chelsea's recent transfer strategy of securing young talent for the future while allowing players to continue their development elsewhere before integrating them into the first team at Stamford Bridge.