Fofana to Chelsea: Why Leicester's struggles are great news for Blues
Karan Tejwani
- 22 Aug 2022 11:20 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea are actively wishing for a move for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, having already seen two bids for the player rejected in recent weeks.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have spent big with the aim of improving their defence, having already signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and Marc Cucurella from Brighton in this window.
They’re now chasing Fofana in the final days of the window, having previously seen bids worth £60 million rejected for the Frenchman.
Leicester City are adamant they want a fee that breaks the world transfer record for a defender – achieved when they sold Harry Maguire for a price of £80 million to Manchester United back in 2019.
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Leicester struggles may help Chelsea
Chelsea, though, can take ease from the fact that Leicester City have been struggling at the start of the season, and that may work in their favour in this transfer saga.
The Foxes are still winless this season, having drawn one and lost two of their opening three matches of the season, with a 2-1 defeat against Southampton being their most recent result.
Fofana missed out on the match against Southampton, with manager Brendan Rodgers believing he wasn’t in the right frame of mind to be playing.
He’s adamant on wanting to join Chelsea, but Leicester aren’t allowing it, however, their stance may change in the final days of the window.
Brendan Rodgers confirms: “Wesley Fofana out of the squad - because he wasn't in right frame of mind to be involved today”. 🚨🔵 #LCFC
Fofana agreed personal terms with Chelsea on six year deal - but still waiting on new, official bid.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2022
They’re the only Premier League club yet to sign a player in this transfer window, and selling Fofana may allow them to get reinforcements across the pitch and rejuvenate their domestic season.
Rodgers has always stated that should a good offer come in, Leicester shouldn’t worry about cashing in as it allows him to strengthen in other areas of the pitch.
The only stumbling block is how late it is in the window and how much they would be able to get done in the final days of the transfer period – that could be a huge risk.
Fofana signed for Leicester for a £30 million fee two years ago, and despite long-term injuries, he has been a star at the back, hence, proving his worth to his club and potential suitors.
