Chelsea have suffered another setback involving AS Monaco after highly-rated defender Melvin Gomes decided to remain with the Ligue 1 club despite receiving a contract offer from the Blues.
According to L’Equipe, Chelsea showed “strong interest” in the 18-year-old centre-back and made contact over a potential move. Gomes, however, has chosen to continue his development at Monaco and is expected to sign his first professional contract this week.
The agreement will reportedly keep the France youth international at Monaco for the next three years.
Gomes turns down Chelsea opportunity
Chelsea’s interest comes shortly after their complicated deadline-day negotiations with Monaco over Lamine Camara.
The clubs had reached an agreement in principle worth €45million for the Senegal international on August 31. However, Monaco’s attempts to sell Folarin Balogun to Everton affected the operation and Camara ultimately remained in France.
Camara has since admitted he wanted the Chelsea move, but Gomes has taken a different position.
Despite receiving an offer from Stamford Bridge, the teenager is not currently interested in leaving the club where he has developed since 2023.
Chelsea’s approach nevertheless highlights Gomes’ growing reputation in French football.
Who is Chelsea target Melvin Gomes?
Born in Marseille, Gomes joined Monaco’s academy from SC Air Bel Jugend as a free agent in 2023.
The defender initially represented Monaco at Under-17 level, making 26 appearances, including 24 during the 2024/25 campaign. He was promoted to the Under-19 squad last summer and featured 19 times before progressing to Monaco’s Under-21 setup earlier this year.
Gomes primarily operates as a centre-back but can also play at right-back.
He has represented France at Under-18 and Under-19 level, while L’Equipe describes him as a player considered to have “very high potential” within the youth market.
Chelsea will therefore miss out on an immediate deal, although Gomes’ decision to stay at Monaco does not necessarily end their interest. His development is likely to remain worth monitoring as he begins his professional career.
Key points
- Chelsea made a contract offer to highly-rated Monaco defender Melvin Gomes.
- The 18-year-old has rejected the opportunity and is expected to sign a three-year professional contract with Monaco.
- Gomes primarily plays at centre-back but is also capable of operating at right-back.
- He has already represented France at Under-18 and Under-19 level.
- Chelsea recently also missed out on Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara despite reaching a €45m agreement in principle.
What’s next?
Gomes is expected to formally sign his first professional Monaco contract this week and continue his development with the Ligue 1 club.
Chelsea could continue monitoring the French defender, but for now Gomes has made his priority clear: establishing himself at Monaco rather than moving to Stamford Bridge.
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