Sources: Celtic turn attention to permanent David Datro Fofana offer after Chelsea agreement
Celtic are considering making an offer to sign Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana on a permanent deal, sources have told Football Insider.
Martin O’Neill and Co. have identified the 23-year-old as a potential target in recent weeks, and Chelsea are now expected to sell him before the end of the window.
Football Insider revealed last week that Celtic were eyeing a loan move for Datro Fofana, but sources say they are now contemplating the possibility of a permanent move, given Chelsea’s reluctance to sanction another loan.
The Blues agreed to recall Datro Fofana from his loan deal with Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk on Monday, where he netted eight goals in 15 appearances in the first half of the season.
Celtic have desperately needed to add depth up front as they prepare for the three-horse race for the Premiership title, and Datro Fofana has emerged as one of their favoured targets.
Chelsea sale of David Datro Fofana is inevitable
Football Insider revealed last weekend that Chelsea plan to accept permanent offers for Datro Fofana before the upcoming 2 February transfer deadline, as it now looks inevitable that he will join a new club in the coming weeks.
The Premier League giants signed the frontman from Norwegian side Molde in January 2023, but he has since made just four competitive appearances for his parent club.
He notched five goal involvements in the Premier League during a 15-game loan spell with Burnley in 2023-24, before spending the last two campaigns in the Turkish Super Lig, where he has thrived this season.
Celtic’s interest in the Ivorian has been matched by Championship side Derby County in recent weeks, but the Parkhead outfit will be hoping that they represent a more attractive proposition for him this month.
The Bhoys were beaten to Datro Fofana’s signature in the summer, and they will be desperately hoping that they do not suffer the same fate this time around.
Celtic already have medical booked in for striker
Celtic have agreed a deal to sign Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Monchengladbach, with the 25-year-old set to undergo his medical on Wednesday ahead of a loan move.
The Czech international spent the first half of the season on loan in Turkey with Antalyaspor, but could now be announced as a Celtic player as early as Thursday.
The former Sparta Prague man is set to arrive and add much-needed depth to an attacking unit that has spurned plenty of chances so far this term, but he may not be the last addition at the top of the pitch.
Cvancara’s arrival is not expected to affect any potential move for Datro Fofana, after O’Neill recently suggested that he is hoping for multiple strikers to come through the door before the deadline.