Exclusive: Chelsea join hunt for in-demand keeper after Didier Drogba call
Chelsea have joined the race to sign Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, sources have told Football Insider.
The 24-year-old has spent the last three years with the Ligue 1 side, establishing himself as one of the top young goalkeepers on the continent.
That has already caught plenty of attention ahead of the summer transfer window. Earlier this week Football Insider revealed that Newcastle, Brentford and Wolves have all scouted Fofana.
Interest in the 24-year-old is now continuing to grow, with Chelsea the latest club to emerge as a potential suitor for the Ivory Coast international.
Yahia Fofana attracting transfer interest from Stamford Bridge
It is understood that Enzo Maresca‘s side are set to scout Fofana this weekend, with his Angers side due to host Ligue 1’s bottom side Montpellier on Sunday afternoon (13 April).
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has recommended his fellow countryman to his old club after being impressed by his form for club and country during the past year.
Wolves, Brentford and German giants Borussia Dortmund are also among the clubs who have sent scouts to monitor the goalkeeper’s performance this weekend.
| Yahia Fofana 2024/25 Angers stats | Total (from SofaScore) |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Goals Conceded | 46 |
| Goals Prevented | 11.62 |
| Saves per Game | 4.3 |
| Penalties Saved | 0/4 |
| Clean Sheets | 5 |
Angers currently sit 15th in the French top-flight standings, and are themselves not safe from relegation this season, despite the efforts of Fofana.
The 24-year-old will be entering the final year of his contract with his current club at the end of this season, providing a possible opportunity for potential suitors.
Chelsea have goalkeeper decision to make this summer
There will be some big calls to be made around the goalkeeping position at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Having started the season as first choice, Robert Sanchez been dropped by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca several times this season following some costly errors.
When that has happened though, Filip Jorgensen has not always convinced when filling in between the posts, making several mistakes of his own.
Djorde Petrovic is due to return to Chelsea in the summer following a productive loan spell in France with Strasbourg and is then expected to be given the chance to earn a place in the side at Stamford Bridge.
In Fofana though, the Blues now have an external option to consider as they weigh up who is going to take the gloves for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.