Chelsea leading race for Burkino Faso wonderkid ahead of Manchester City and Manchester United

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Chelsea are working on a deal to sign highly-rated Burkina Faso youngster Mohamed Zongo. Zongo starred for Burkino Faso at the U17 World Cup in Qatar last month as a 15-year-old, leading his side to a quarter final place.

He scored against Germany and Czech Republic as Burkina Faso upset the odds in the earlier rounds, but was denied by the bar and the post in the quarter final loss to Italy.

Zongo hails from the Tenakourou Academy in Burkino Faso and has recently turned 16. The player has drawn attention from Manchester City, Manchester United, Villarreal, and Anderlecht but Daily Mail has reported that it is Chelsea that lead the way for his signature.

Zongo is left-footed attacking midfielder. Athletic, strong, and a good all-rounder, he has a knack for breaking up play and quickly turning defence into attack. He excels at reading of the game and intuitive passing.

He can also play as a right winger cutting in onto his favoured left foot.

Chelsea have made a habit of snapping up young talent. Estevao has been shining brightly, and Chelsea hope to repeat this success with more teenage wonderkids.

Striker Emmanuel Emegha from sister club Strasbourg is set to arrive in the summer of 2026, as well as Sporting winger Geovany Quenda. The Blues also have deals in place for 16-year old centre back Deinner Ordonez from Independiente Del Valle and Sao Paulo right-back Angelo Candido.

The Blues have utilized long term payment plans and sister club Strasbourg as a pathway to first team football to attract the stars of tomorrow. They are looking to build a squad for the future with young talent that will represent Chelsea for generations.

Chelsea grabbed an encouraging draw with leaders Arsenal last week, but were defeated by Leeds in midweek in a blow to their title ambitions. They face a struggling Bournemouth side on Saturday hoping to get back on track.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.