Chelsea have ramped up their attempts to bring in Wesley Fofana as their second new centre-back of the window, but have had a bid rejected for the defender.
Thomas Tuchel has prioritised his backline as the first port of call for Todd Boehly to address after losing two senior players already with the prospect of more exiting the club this summer. Kalidou Koulibaly has already come through the door and is set to make his Premier League debut, but Tuchel is still keen to bring in at least one more fresh face.
With confusion over the lengthy pursuit of Jules Kounde, Josko Gvardiol being priced out of an early deal and Presnel Kimpembe's desire to stay in France, the Blues are still searching down their list, but key progress has been made this week as Boehly looks to sound out a price for Leicester City's Fofana.
