Chelsea have been holding ‘conversations’ over whether they will be able to tempt Leicester City into sanctioning Wesley Fofana’s move to Stamford Bridge this week, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Blues have already added Kalidou Koulibaly to their defensive options after a £33million deal was struck with Napoli, but it appears that head coach Thomas Tuchel is keen to bolster his backline further.
What’s the latest news involving Fofana?
Accorded to respected French journalist Ignazio Genuardi, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Fofana ahead of a potential move to west London.
However, Genuardi has revealed that Leicester have rejected the Blues’ opening offer, meaning they have had to return to the drawing board.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has previously claimed that Tuchel is a huge admirer of Fofana and would ‘love’ to link up with the Frenchman at Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea will have to splash the cash for the central defender as it is understood that Leicester will not entertain any bids which fall below the £70million mark.
Although it has emerged that Fofana’s current employers need to offload some of their biggest earners before recruiting fresh faces, the fact he has three years remaining on his £51,000-per-week contract at the King Power Stadium means the Foxes are in a strong negotiating position.
What has Dean Jones said about Fofana?
Jones understands that Chelsea have been holding behind the scenes discussions over Fofana in the last few days.
However, the transfer insider warns that Leicester’s asking price could result in it being difficult to conclude a deal before the September 1 deadline.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s definitely one that they are looking at. Conversations have taken place this week about whether the transfer is possible or not.
“I think a massive issue here is going to be Leicester’s valuation of him, but they are definitely in conversations about it.”
Why is Fofana of interest to Chelsea?
Chelsea have turned to Fofana after failing in their efforts to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde, who have agreed to join Bayern Munich and Barcelona respectively.
It is also proving difficult to lure Presnel Kimpembe away from Paris Saint-Germain as it is understood that he is keen to remain with his boyhood club.
But Fofana, who cost Leicester £36.5million when he joined from Saint Etienne in 2020, could prove to be a shrewd option for Tuchel.
The 21-year-old has made 35 Premier League appearances, meaning he would not need time to adjust to the rigours of the English top flight, and may go a long way towards improving an aging Chelsea defence.
News Now – Sport News
About Author
