Chelsea have dropped a huge hint as to whether Todd Boehly can complete the transfer of Wesley Fofana before the summer window slams shut. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to west London as Thomas Tuchel looks to bolster his backline following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
football.london understand the Blues will table a fresh bid for the Leicester City defender at some point this week. It's said that the Foxes could be willing to sell Fofana for £85million, though Chelsea's next offer isn't expected to match their asking price.
While the summer transfer window is coming to a close, the west Londoners have growing confidence that Brendan Rodgers' side will cash in. And, two key factors could accelerate the Frenchman's move; his eagerness to swap the King Power Stadium for Stamford Bridge and the departure of Ethan Ampadu.
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According to The Athletic, Chelsea will sanction another season-long loan deal for the 21-year-old defender. It's believed that Ampadu is subject to interest from England, Italy, Germany and Spain following his impressive campaign in the Serie A with Venezia last season.
Ampadu, who sees his contract in west London expire in 2024, had been apart of Tuchel's pre-season preparations this summer and the Wales international looked poised to take-up a role in the first-team squad. But, despite high hopes among fans and great praise from Tuchel last month, he was omitted from the squad which travelled to Merseyside for the opening day clash against Everton.
Speaking to football.london after Chelsea's clash with Club America, Tuchel detailed Ampadu's ability to operate at the heart of a back-three. The Blues boss said: "Ethan did very well, I think. The position is a good position for him in the middle of the back three. He played a lot of vertical passes and did not play left to right only.
"He played through the lines with his passes and dribbles. So he was very active, and it was a good match for him. He is training well."
If reports are to be believed and Ampadu is set to leave the club on loan - again - before summer window slams shut, then his exit could open a pathway for Chelsea to sign Fofana. Though, it must be said that the Welshman's versatility would be of great use to Tuchel in the thick of winter fixtures.
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