Chelsea are reportedly interested in one attacker ahead of the new year, but he could end up costing them a lot of money.
The Blues already strengthened their forward line during the summer transfer window, but it looks like their work may not be finished.
One area that Chelsea are unlikely to improve, though, is their defence.
Despite all of the injuries that they have picked up there this season, it is being reported that Chelsea are not planning to sign a new centre-back in January.
Malick Fofana of Lyon (R) plays against Carlens Arcus of Angers (L) during the France Ligue 1 match between Olympique Lyonnais and Angers SCO
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea don’t need to sign Malick Fofana
While a new defender may not be on the agenda, a winger could be amid interest in Lyon’s Malick Fofana.
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are one Premier League club who are currently monitoring Fofana.
However, the 20-year-old will not come at a small price, with the same outlet claiming that Lyon have slapped a £50m valuation on him.
While Fofana may be a target for the Club World Cup winners, he is allegedly not at the top of their list. It is thought that Chelsea prefer Morgan Rogers and Kenan Yildiz over him.
It makes sense, as Enzo Maresca is not in desperate need of any more wingers.
The Conference League holders invested a lot of money in Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, while Geovany Quenda is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge next summer.
Ultimately, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are better off allocating any funds they are planning to use to sign Fofana towards a new centre-half or goalkeeper.
Todd Boehly, Paul Winstanley and Behdad Eghbali at Chelsea game
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How Malick Fofana compares to Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens
This season, Fofana has scored more league goals than both Garnacho and Gittens, who are yet to find the back of the net. However, he has played more games and minutes than the Chelsea duo.
The Belgian also has one assist, whereas Garnacho and Gittens again have zero.
Player League appearances Minutes Goals Assists
Malick Fofana 7 584 2 1
Alejandro Garnacho 2 86 0 0
Jamie Gittens 5 161 0 0
Via Malick Fofana’s, Alejandro Garnacho’s and Jamie Gittens’ WhoScored pages
Given Garnacho’s and Gittens’ lack of appearances compared to Fofana, it is hard to make too many comparisons right now.
However, both men have a lot of talent, and after spending so much money to bring the pair to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea ought to persist with them rather than buy another left winger.