Sources: Chelsea plan to accept new David Datro Fofana offer after loan deal cancelled
Chelsea are set to allow Celtic target David Datro Fofana to leave the club permanently this month after recalling him from a loan spell at Fatih Karagumruk.
Fofana joined Chelsea from Norwegian club Molde in January 2023, but he has struggled to make his mark on their first team ever since.
The Ivorian striker has been out on loan at Union Berlin, Burnley, Goztepe, and now Karagumruk, where he has netted seven times in 14 appearances so far this season.
Football Insider revealed last summer that Charlton and Preston wanted Fofana on loan, and he came very close to a move to the former, but the deal fell through on deadline day.
Celtic were also linked to Fofana in the summer window, while their interest has been reignited this month and the Blues are planning to let him go permanently soon, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.
Fofana could leave Chelsea for good this month amid continued Celtic interest
Football Insider have revealed that Celtic are eyeing a move for Fofana right now, with Derby County and Royal Antwerp also thought to have him on their radar.
He is currently out on loan in Turkey until the end of the campaign, but the deal includes a recall clause which Chelsea could soon trigger to let him leave West London permanently before the end of the month.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I think Martin O’Neill and Celtic really need somebody who can come in and hit the ground running and maybe Fofana could do that.
“There are a number of other clubs also looking at the on loan Chelsea forward as well.
“I think Chelsea would be open to recalling him from his loan move in Turkey and selling him on a permanent basis, because then that would free up one of their foreign loan spaces to maybe send somebody else out on loan.“
Chelsea could move for Jeremy Jacquet amid centre-back search
Chelsea are planning to sign a centre-back in the January window after new boss Liam Rosenior identified the position as an area that needs addressing.
Football Insider have revealed that Chelsea are tracking Rennes defender Jacquet, with Liverpool and Arsenal also following his progress out in France.
The 20-year-old has made 17 appearances for the sixth-placed Ligue 1 side so far in 2025-26, after extending his contract with the club in the summer to 2029.
It remains to be seen if they will make a concrete approach for his services, but he is known to be high on their list of targets and could well be on his way to Stamford Bridge before the end of the window.