Chelsea will not give up their pursuit of Wesley Fofana, as they line up a late push to secure their key targets in the final week of the transfer window.
The Blues also aim to agree deals for Anthony Gordon and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the September 1 deadline.
Chelsea have had bids of £50million, £60m and £70m for Fofana rejected by Leicester, who are holding out for a world-record fee of more than £80m for the 21-year-old centre-back.
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers revealed last night that Fofana “didn’t turn up for training one day” last week and has been sent to train with their Under-23 while he pushes for a move.
Talks between the two clubs are expected to continue this week and Chelsea hope to reach a final agreement for their No1 defensive target.
Chelsea are also in talks with Everton over a £60m move for Gordon and are confident of striking a deal for the England U21 player. Gordon is thought to have told Everton manager Frank Lampard that he wants to join the Blues.
Barcelona are said to be holding out for around £25m for Aubameyang, who is thought to have agreed terms with Chelsea.
Discussions over the former Arsenal captain will continue this week and there is optimism on both sides that a deal will be reached, as Chelsea prepare for a hectic final week of the window.
Thomas Tuchel wants to add a proven scorer to his squad and Aubameyang is ready to return to London just seven months after leaving Arsenal.
Sunday’s 3-0 defeat against Leeds at Elland Road underlined the need for new signings at Chelsea. The Blues have already splashed out more than £170m on six signings this summer and new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake are ready to take their spending in this window beyond £300m. They have also shown an interest in Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
Rodgers confirmed last night that Leicester had rejected the latest offer from Chelsea for Fofana, who has made it clear he wants to join the Blues.
Fofana was left out of the Leicester squad on Saturday because Rodgers did not think he was in the right frame of mind to play. Speaking last night after Leicester needed penalties to see off League Two side Stockport in the Carabao Cup, the Leicester manager said: “There was an offer gone in and it’s been rejected.”
Rodgers went on to reveal Fofana last week “didn’t turn up for training one day, hence the reason for the weekend, not being involved”.
He added: “He’s a good kid, it’s just been a really challenging situation for him. I’ve had it a number of times in my career where there are players who can deal with it, cope with it, get on, want to help their team-mates. Others just can’t deal with the distraction.
“These guys get well paid. The very least you can do is turn up. And if you don’t, with all due respect, you can’t then just think you can walk into our group.”
