Chelsea remain interested in Wesley Fofana from Leicester City but fear negotiations over a move could be difficult. The Foxes defender recently signed a new contract at the King Power Stadium until the summer of 2027 – meaning the Blues could have their work cut out in negotiations.
Fofana is seen as a top target for Chelsea, and the Blues started talks with his entourage over a move in the week, football.london understands. The 21-year-old recently returned to action after months on the sideline after breaking his leg around a year ago.
The Frenchman, who is hoping to earn a place in the France international squad for the FIFA World Cup later this year, impressed Chelsea with how quickly he recovered from the serious injury. Personal terms with Fofana aren't expected to be an issue, but Leicester will demand big money to consider allowing him to leave the King Power this summer.
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Leicester have got themselves a reputation of being a 'selling club' over the years. The Foxes, to name a few, have recently sold the likes of Harry Maguire, Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell.
The club has always been open to doing business if the right price is negotiated. However, this window could be different in terms of Fofana, with other key players such as Youri Tielemans and James Maddison being strongly linked with moves away.
Reports on Saturday claimed Leicester turned down a £40million offer from Newcastle United for Maddison. The Magpies are already said to be weighing up an improved offer to try and persuade Leicester to sell the 25-year-old midfielder.
Meanwhile, Tielemans is of interest to Arsenal. The Belgium international now has less than 12 months remaining on his contract with Leicester. Brendan Rodgers recently admitted that the club would look at every option possible for the midfielder because of his contract situation.
Leicester are unlikely to sanction more than one of their key players to leave in the same transfer window. There could be a possibility of two leaving, but definitely not all three of the players linked with moves away.
Chelsea will be hoping they can be the club that convinces Leicester to sell. The Blues are very interested in Fofana after missing out on Jules Kounde, who has recently joined Barcelona.
Thomas Tuchel wants to add at least one more central defender to the ranks at Chelsea before the summer transfer window closes at the start of September. Kalidou Koulibaly arrived at Stamford Bridge earlier this month after signing a four-year deal from Napoli.
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