Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea remain interested in Lyon winger Malick Fofana despite the French club agreeing a deal with Nottingham Forest for him.
The Blues’ attacking unit has already undergone somewhat of a transformation so far this summer, with the additions of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens. Furthermore, Chelsea is still keen to sign another striker, with Hugo Ekitike very strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
However, all these additions have sparked doubt over the future of Noni Madueke, who has been subject to interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal. It is understood that any deal for Madueke would amount to around £50m.
If the Blues do sell Madueke, they will need to find an apt replacement for the England international. One name that they have been linked to is Malick Fofana from Lyon.
Romano issues update on Fofana to Chelsea
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Fofana, 20, is set to leave Lyon this summer, as the French club has received a relegation to Ligue 2, as they have major financial issues. Therefore, the 20-year-old has been linked to several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
According to Fabrizio Romano via Football Transfers, Chelsea remain keen on Fofana, despite the fact that Nottingham Forest have reportedly agreed a fee for the Belgian winger with Lyon. It is understood that the French club are looking for around £51m for him.
The report says that Fofana would prefer a move to a team with Champions League football rather than Forest, who are in the Europa Conference League next season, which means that Chelsea could still swoop in and land the 20-year-old ahead of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Last season, Fofana made 41 appearances for Lyon, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists. He is a pacey winger, who can play on the left, right, or up front. He is most at home on the left hand side, but could easily replace Madueke, who plays more on the other flank.
Click here to see Chelsea’s dream line-up for next season if the current transfer rumours are true.