Kakuta seeks Chelsea exit

Gael Kakuta is determined to move away from Chelsea in search of first-team football, and has talked up a possible switch to Marseille.

The France Under-21 international has had a taste of first-team experience during his previous loan spells at Fulham, Bolton and Dijon, and is looking to further his opportunities away from Chelsea, where his contract is not due to expire for another three years.

He told L’Equipe: “Chelsea’s sporting director Michael Emenalo told me (in July) it will depend on the coach’s choices. I explained I would wait to see how it goes in pre-season.

“My decision is definite now. It is an important moment in my career. It is better for me to leave the club and find one where I could play matches regularly.

“Chelsea told me they rely on me (as back up). It is nice to rely on me, but I am 21 years old. You can tell me that at 17 years old or 18 years old, but I need to play. I thought more players would have left the club.

“Stepping back, I believe Ligue 1 will be good for me. It will be a good stay. My objective is to play a complete season with 25 matches.

“Marseille is a club I like. In France, they are one of the three clubs I am following the most with Lyon and Lille. With the players they have, I have no concerns. The club is not finished.”