The Blues are reportedly preparing a move for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, despite him currently rehabilitating from a long-term injury, reports FootMercato. Meanwhile, their links with the centre-back come amid their continuous struggle to tie down their defenders.
The Frenchman was one of the Premier League’s breakout stars last season but suffered a serious ACL injury before the start of the 2021/22 campaign, which ruled him out for the long term. That, however, hasn’t deterred Chelsea’s interest in him, who are said to be battling with Manchester United for his signature.
While the Red Devils aren’t out of contention yet, they, along with Chelsea, will have to pay a mammoth fee to take Fofana away from the Foxes. The 20-year-old is contracted to Leicester until 2025, and the club is known for obtaining the maximum fee for its assets from any interested parties – something both Chelsea and United are well aware of.
Fofana moved to Leicester City from Saint-Etienne in 2020 for a fee in the region of 36.5 million pounds – after including the add ons. Last season, he made 38 appearances for the Foxes across all competitions as they finished fifth in the league and was named the club’s young player of the season.
Chelsea’s need in the centre-back department is currently more pronounced than Manchester United. The Blues are in danger of losing several first-team defenders next summer due to expiring contracts and could be forced to look to the transfer market to fill in any gaps that may arise as a result.
Antonio Rudiger is reported to be on his way out after failing to reach a breakthrough in his talks with the club so far. Communications with Andreas Christensen have also hit a stalemate, while discussions are yet to begin over renewing the deals of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva.
