Amidst the recent Harry Maguire to Chelsea rumours, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the West London club’s priority centre-back target is Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana.
The respected journalist confirms the Kings Road club will resume negotiations with the intermediaries of the Fofana deal next week.
The French U21 international, described as “unbelievable“, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Thomas Tuchel’s men. Reports suggest the club could sign the Frenchman for £85 million, with the defender omitted from the Foxes squad for their recent 2‐1 home defeat to Southampton.
Wesley Fofana: Chelsea Prioritise Move for French U21 International Centre‐Back
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
🗣️ @FabrizioRomano: "I’ve been asked a lot about Harry Maguire … My understanding is that, at the moment, Chelsea’s priority is Wesley Fofana. This is the only answer I'm getting from Chelsea."
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— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) August 21, 2022
Centre‐Back to Boost the Blues
Chelsea have endured a frustrating summer despite the signings of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly. The Kings Road club have identified central defence as a must-strengthen area and despite the recent links to Harry Maguire, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy see Fofana as their priority defensive target.
He has excelled in his time with the Foxes, becoming a mainstay of their backline and one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League, with Brendan Rodgers being vocal for the majority of the transfer window stating the French defender is not for sale.
The French defender signed a new five-year contract with the Midlands club in March, ensuring they will demand a sizeable fee before they sell him. He spent much of last season out injured, but that has not stopped him from being top of Chelsea’s summer shopping list following the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger from Stamford Bridge.
Read More: Chelsea Set to Continue Negotiations for Barcelona Striker
Rodgers: "There are talks for Maddison new deal. I’m sure the club would want to extend James contract. Both sides have to be able to find an agreement". 🔵 #LCFC
"Fofana is not for sale, club have made that clear – unless anything changes on that I would expect him to be here". pic.twitter.com/HHwO8b8zBw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2022
What Fofana Could Bring to Stamford Bridge
Fofana excels in one on one situations, where he is superb at timing his tackles. During his time at the King Power Stadium, he has shown his impeccable recovery skills, which would undoubtedly go a long way to replacing Antonio Rudiger.
The Leicester defender will also be a threat from attacking set pieces in addition to being excellent at defending set pieces.
