Chelsea 'step up talks' to sell Bomb Squad member

Cameron Smith

• 9 Sept 2024 13:45 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have reportedly stepped up talks with AEK Athens regarding the possible sale of David Datro Fofana.

The 21-year-old was placed in the Blues’ Bomb Squad this summer and the club are actively trying to offload him before the Greek summer transfer window closes on Wednesday.

The Ivorian has been forced to train away from Chelsea’s first-team squad since returning from his loan spell at Burnley, and a permanent exit is on the cards this week.

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AEK Athens have emerged as contenders to sign Datro Fofana over the past few weeks and negotiations have intensified within the last 48 hours, as per The Athletic.

The two clubs are reportedly in discussions regarding a transfer fee, with Chelsea looking at a deal that would see them earn a profit when including add-ons.

The Blues signed Datro Fofana from Molde for €12 million in 2023 and although an initial fee may be below that figure, Chelsea are eager to include add-on clauses to ensure a profit.

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The 21-year-old has made three first-team appearances for Chelsea, while he spent last season on loan at both Union Berlin and Burnley.

Datro Fofana scored two goals in 17 appearances for the former, and he fared slightly better for the latter, notching four goals in 15 Premier League games.

Ben Chilwell to leave?

In addition to Datro Fofana, Ben Chilwell has also been linked with an exit over the past few days, but clubs in Turkey are yet to propose a formal offer for the England left-back.

As a result, he has been left in limbo and faces the prospect of spending the next four months without playing any senior football.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Chilwell will not feature for Chelsea this season, with the club’s former vice-captain set to be restricted to a role on the sidelines until the January transfer window opens.