Chelsea sign Brighton target Fofana after Potter & Cucurella swoops

James Shearman

• Updated: 4 Jan 2023 08:44 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea have completed the signing of former Brighton target Datro Fofana from Molde, already dubbed the 'next Drogba' by Blues fans.

Molde's development of young players has been highlighted in recent seasons, having produced Manchester City star Erling Haaland.

And Fofana is the next off the Molde production line, with Chelsea paying €12 million to secure his signature in the January transfer window.

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Fofana was on Brighton's radar, along with Brentford, and ex-Seagulls boss Graham Potter is said to be an admirer.

After Chelsea signed Brighton's player of the season Marc Cucurella in the summer and hired Potter to replace Thomas Tuchel, it appears they are now stealing their transfer targets. But who can blame them?

Brighton have an excellent track record of signing young players and developing them into top talents. Cucurella is a fine example, while World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is another.

Chelsea's next Brighton raid

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Brighton star Leandro Trossard, who was one of Potter's most valuable assets during his time at the Amex Stadium.

Trossard, 27, joined Brighton from KRC Genk back in 2019 and soon became one of Potter's most trusted players, with the Englishman using him in a variety of roles including across the frontline and at wing-back.

With Potter leaving Brighton mid-season to take up the vacant managerial role at Stamford Bridge, many of the Seagulls' stars have been linked with a transfer to join Potter at Chelsea.

However, Trossard is the Brighton player who reports suggest Chelsea are most heavily pursuing, with Potter keen on being reunited with his star player.

The Belgian international's current deal on the south coast runs until 2024, meaning any suitors would be able to pick him up for a slightly cut-price deal next summer.

Trossard's form this campaign will no doubt have prompted Chelsea's hierarchy to take a look at him even without Potter's arrival, with the winger netting seven goals and bagging a further two assists in the Premier League so far this season.