SURPRISE club ready to end Chelsea flop's misery

Tom Weber

• 28 Jun 2023 17:04 BST
• 3 min read

Union Berlin have joined the race to sign Chelsea flop David Datro Fofana, according to German media.

The Ivorian striker was part of last season's record-breaking €600 million spending spree at Stamford Bridge but, like many new arrivals, struggled to come to grips with the chaos at Chelsea. The 20-year-old only made four appearances for the Blues last term.

With a big summer clearout currently happening, Fofana has emerged as another potential candidate to leave, albeit only on loan. Last week, reports emerged that he was being targeted by Chelsea's new sister club RC Strasbourg in Ligue 1.

The French side are still interested in the striker, according to reports, but a surprise new suitor has also entered the fray.

READ: Chelsea beat Barcelona to €15m Brazilian wonderkid transfer

Fofana in the Champions League?

While Chelsea missed out on European football due to their embarrassing 12th-placed finish, Fofana could yet play in the Champions League next season. That is because Bundesliga side Union Berlin, who came in 4th last term, are eyeing a move for the Ivorian, according to BILD.

The German side have enjoyed a fairytale rise from the second division to Europe's premier competition in the space of just a few years. With Champions League football on the horizon, the East Berliners are said to be keen on signing some high-profile reinforcements, like Inter's Robin Gosens.

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With Sven Michel having departed for Augsburg, Union are looking to fill the hole left by the striker and Fofana has emerged as a surprise candidate for the role. Signing him could become an even bigger priority if 11-goal man Sheraldo Becker gets sold.

Besides Union and Strasbourg, Fofana also has suitors at Nice, Galatasaray and Lille, according to French outlet Footmercato. Despite a poor first season at Chelsea, the 20-year-old talent still enjoys a good reputation due to his performances in Norway, which prompted the Blues to sign him.