Wesley Fofana has submitted a transfer request in an effort to push through a move to Chelsea, which has struck Leicester City a severe blow.
Leicester has had a quiet transfer window, but Chelsea has had a very busy one. The Blues appear poised to add Fofana to their roster as they look to continue their summer spending.
Thomas Tuchel wants to add another center-back this summer and has identified Fofana as a top target after seeing Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger go on free transfers.
We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.
The Frenchman, who joined Leicester two years ago and has since dominated, is eager to move to west London.
However, Leicester is holding out for more than £80m and is adamant on keeping hold of him during the current transfer window despite having turned down two offers from Chelsea.
Following interest in Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, and Fofana, Leicester’s priority has been maintaining their current roster.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old has already reached an agreement with Chelsea over a move, and The Guardian reported on Tuesday that Fofana had informed Leicester that he wants to go this summer.
The contract that Chelsea has offered for Fofana includes bonuses and stipulations that would make him the most expensive defender in history.
Ironically, Harry Maguire, who presently owns that title after moving from Leicester to Manchester United, was replaced by Fofana.
Chelsea will take into account Fofana’s recovery from a fractured leg as well as his level of readiness.
They are aware that convincing Leicester to sell may require at least £85 million.
Chelsea will finally pay Leicester’s asking price, according to sources.
Tuchel has already bolstered his defense with the additions of Marc Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly, and the addition of Fofana gives him the flexibility to regularly utilize Reece James as a right wing-back.
On Sunday, James made his debut there as Chelsea tied Tottenham 2-2.
The England international scored Chelsea’s second goal shortly after being switched to wing-back in the second half.
He had previously used his speed at center-back to stop Son Heung-min and Harry Kane.
Chelsea is seeking a striker as well, and this week they intend to make a proposal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Barcelona.
At Borussia Dortmund, Tuchel and Aubameyang got along well, and now that Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner have left, he needs more firepower.
The head coach of Chelsea is poised to overhaul his offense. Raheem Sterling was acquired from Manchester City, and he may be saying goodbye to Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who wants to be sent out. Christian Pulisic additionally has a hazy future at Stamford Bridge.
Click On the Red-Bell icon displayed at the right bottom corner of your reading screen to be the first person to get the latest news updates sent directly to your smartphone’s notification.
