The January window is just starting to feel busy for Chelsea with the club closing in on a big-money defender, while a handful of players are eyeing a permanent exit.
Two bits of business have been completed officially by Chelsea this month. The first was the permanent sale of Leo Castledine to Middlesbrough after his impressive loan stint with Huddersfield in League One.
The second saw Facundo Buonanotte end his loan spell at Chelsea and join Leeds United, the club he was set to join before Chelsea sprung in to action in the summer. More exits are likely at Chelsea this month.
QUESTION: Who is out there that fits the description for Chelsea?đź‘€
An experienced centre-back…
Jamie Redknapp on Chelsea needing a centre-back
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The likes of Axel Disasi, Raheem Sterling, Filip Jorgensen and Benoit Badiashile have all been touted with the exit door this month. Another player who could leave Chelsea permanently is David Datro Fofana.
David Fofana posts on Instagram after Fabrizio Romano report
Currently, Fofana is on his fourth loan spell away from Chelsea after stints with Union Berlin in Germany, Burnley in the Premier League and then Goztepe in Turkey. Injury hampered his spell with the latter club.
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Now, Fofana is with another SuperLig side in Fatih Karagumruk. On Saturday, he netted a third goal in two games and took his tally to eight in 15 for the Turkish side, finally showing why Chelsea spent ÂŁ10m.
Earlier this month, Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea were considering a permanent sale of Fofana, despite his loan. Celtic, Derby, and Royal Antwerp are all considering a move for the in-form striker.
Well, a few days later, Fofana has now posted on Instagram. The Chelsea striker has perhaps dropped a hint in the midst of reports he could be sold: “Focused. Hungry. Ready for more”.
Joao Pedro is never going to be a prolific forward, but he’s a great player to have in the squad. What do we do with him?
Joao Pedro stats for Chelsea this season
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Banished by Enzo Maresca, could Liam Rosenior change approach
Maresca felt Fofana had no chance of breaking into the side at Chelsea and ultimately loaned him out whenever he returned to the club. But given his improved form of late, could Rosenior make a decision?
The chances are that Rosenior will maintain Chelsea’s stance on Fofana, given the presence of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu. Joe Hart thinks Guiu is the perfect type of player for Rosenior as a manager.
So it feels like Fofana will be sold and there are chances of a possible exit this month. A move to Celtic under Martin O’Neill would surely be too good to turn down for Fofana, he desperately needs a home.
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