Chelsea eyeing up move for 20-year-old Ligue 1 star valued at around £42m: Reports

Chelsea have their sights set on Malick Fofana and have reportedly initiated discussions with Olympique Lyon over a potential move for the player. A product of KAA Gent academy, Fofana has emerged as one of the most promising talents in the French top flight.

The 20-year-old joined Lyon early in 2024 for a reported fee of €19.5 million. In his full season at the Ligue 1 club, he registered 15 goal contributions in 41 appearances across competitions.

Chelsea are set for a busy summer transfer window, having recently confirmed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. But after failing to reach an agreement with Jadon Sancho regarding a permanent stay at Stamford Bridge, they are now in the market for a new winger.

They recently tried to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund ahead of the Club World Cup, but their offers for the winger were rejected. As a result, they have now shifted their focus to alternative wide options.

According to L’Equipe, Chelsea have reached out to Malick Fofana’s entourage to determine the “feasibility of a transfer” for the Belgian winger. The report adds that the Blues are targeting Fofana as part of their strategy to sign some of the world’s best talents.

While Fofana’s current market value is €30 million as per Transfermarkt, Lyon are said to value him at around £42 million. In recent seasons, the Blues have shown the tendency to sign young players. However, they will have to contend with Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, who are also interested in Fofana.

Ahead of their Club World Cup opener, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the club’s plan to bring in a new left winger, saying, “It’s a position they need to do something.”

Fofana is under contract at Lyon until June 2028 and is one of the club’s most valuable assets in the transfer market.

Chelsea still interested in Bundesliga star amid interest from Manchester United – Reports

Chelsea are not giving up on their chase for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike amid reports that Manchester United have joined the race to sign the striker. As a part of their summer plans, the Blues are keen on resolving their striking problems.

Before the signing of Delap, a report from The Independent said the Blues discussed a move for Ekitike as they consider him a replacement for Nicolas Jackson. To date, both parties are yet to reach an agreement.

The latest report, as per Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg (via Football London), is that Manchester United have joined the fray for Ekitike this summer. However, the report adds that Chelsea are still having an interest in the forward despite United joining the race.