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Chelsea are set to sign 15-year-old Mathis Eboue, son of Arsenal legend Emmanuel Eboue, further strengthening their youth academy.
Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Mathis Eboue, a highly-rated 15-year-old talent and son of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue. The teenager is currently part of Watford’s academy, where he has been excelling and even playing in the Under-21 squad despite his young age.
Mathis has already made a mark on the international stage, scoring the winning goal for England’s Under-16s in the U16 Challenge Trophy final against France. His promising performances have caught Chelsea's attention as they continue to invest in their academy, looking to build the next generation of football stars.
Emmanuel Eboue's Legacy Continues
Mathis’s father, Emmanuel Eboue, is an Arsenal cult hero who made 132 appearances for the Gunners, including a pivotal role in their 2006 Champions League runner-up campaign. Now, his son looks poised to carve out his own path in London football, albeit on the blue side of the rivalry.
Compensation Talks Underway
Chelsea and Watford are currently negotiating compensation for the young star, as per Premier League Youth Development Rules. This includes a five-step process involving interviews with the player’s parents and a review of the transfer’s legitimacy. If compensation cannot be agreed upon, the matter could be sent to a tribunal, as seen in past Chelsea youth transfers.
For context, Chelsea previously paid £3.4 million for Zak Sturge and £4.25 million for Shim Mheuka after tribunals, showing their willingness to invest in young talent.
Fan Reactions
Watford fans have expressed surprise at Mathis Eboue’s move. One fan wrote on a forum: "I didn’t even know we had his son at the club or that he was highly rated... but seems we are losing Emmanuel Eboue’s son to Chelsea." The transfer highlights Chelsea’s aggressive pursuit of top academy prospects.
While the exact compensation remains unclear, the move underscores Chelsea's strategy of recruiting the best young talents, further solidifying their already impressive academy setup.