David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Chelsea are working on deals to sign Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries and Wesley Fofana from Leicester City, with the Midlands club reportedly valuing their centre-back at around £85 million, and the Dutch international having a pricetag of around £25 million. The Italian side are reportedly open to selling their wing-back in order to raise some much-needed funds.
Denzel Dumfries and Wesley Fofana: Chelsea Target Double Swoop as They Look For Further Defensive Reinforcements
🚨 Chelsea working on deals to sign both Wesley Fofana + Denzel Dumfries. Leicester thought to value Fofana at £80/85m but #CFC hope offering players may lower price. Dumfries interest also firm & Inter Milan need to raise funds @TheAthleticUK #LCFC #Inter https://t.co/5zqENwnQzb
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 31, 2022
Chelsea Identify Key Reinforcements in Potential Double Swoop
Chelsea have endured a frustrating transfer window despite the high-profile arrivals of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, with the Kings Road club keen to add further reinforcements as the new Premier League season approaches.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are hopeful they can negotiate Leicester City down from their current £85 million asking price for Fofana. Inter Milan, meanwhile, are struggling financially, which will make Chelsea hopeful they can obtain the Dutch international for a favourable price, and add some necessary defensive reinforcements for the club.
The French Under-21 international is thought to be well regarded at Stamford Bridge, but the player is contracted to Leicester City until 2027, with the player thought to be happy at the club. This would make any potential deal difficult for Thomas Tuchel to complete.
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What Dumfries and Fofana Could Bring to Chelsea
Fofana is impressive when defending one on one situations, where he uses his physical stature and impressive recovery abilities to often stifle opposition attacks. He is adept at not diving into tackles and has impeccable timing.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers tells @owynnpa that Wesley Fofana is “not for sale”, very clear on club position – same as the board. 🔵 #LCFC
Chelsea have still no intention to give up and will try to negotiate again next week on Fofana/Gvardiol, both really difficult. #CFC pic.twitter.com/PXbRRxBSxa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2022
The Frenchman can be a vital weapon at set pieces both defensively and offensively, which combined with Koulibaly would make Chelsea imposing and difficult to break down.
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Dumfries offers great width and is often involved in his team’s attacking endeavours. He is adept at playing as a winger, often playing like one even when starting at wing-back. He offers a vital threat with his pace and his brilliant engine, and his ability to produce the right final ball when it is needed. He can be caught upfield, though, but Tuchel could deal with this by playing Reece James as the right-sided centre-back.
