‘Chelsea in talks to rival Nottingham Forest for Fofana after Gittens bid fails’
Chelsea’s summer business is showing no signs of abating even whilst they compete in the Club World Cup.
The Blues are keen on adding more offensive weapons to Enzo Maresca‘s arsenal after claiming Champions League qualification last season.
Cole Palmer remains the best player at Chelsea’s disposal, but his performances dipped during the back end of the campaign, and as such, so did the West London club’s.
With so much pressure on the former Man City man to carry the team last season, the Blues are in need of more reliable attacking talent.
Chelsea were pursuing a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s winger Jamie Gittens, but had an offer of £42million rejected [BBC Sport].
Having failed to sign the English winger, the Blues are now turning their attention to an alternative option, according to L’Equipe.
Chelsea make contact with Lyon over Malick Fofana
Fofana was attracting attention from Liverpool earlier in the season, and remains a man in demand.
The 20-year-old joined Lyon in 2023 from Belgian side Gent and has made 62 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, scoring 15 times.
According to the French publication, several English clubs, including Nottingham Forest, have already “expressed their interest” in the left-winger.
However, Chelsea have taken the “next step” by making contact with Lyon for Fofana, but no offer has been discussed as yet.
Chelsea look to revamp left-wing position following Jadon Sancho exit
Football Insider Verdict
Chelsea decided against signing Jadon Sancho permanently, having failed to agree to personal terms with the winger, and paid a £5m penalty fee [BBC Sport] to send the 25-year-old back to Man United.
The Blues are also without Mykhailo Mudryk, who remains out for an indefinite period of time due to failing a drug test whilst on international duty.
As such, Maresca’s options at left-wing will look very different next season. Estevao will join from Palmeiras following the Club World Cup, but the Brazilian has played just one full season of senior football.
The Italian will be keen to have another option to the South American wonderkid, especially given how out of place Noni Madueke looks at left wing.
Fofana, whilst only a few years older than Estevao, has significantly more experience and offers a different playstyle at the position.
The Belgian is a left-footed left-winger and is an adept crosser of the ball, whilst also being clinical in front of goal.