Deadline Day for Chelsea looks like it will be a day of exits and sorting out the futures of the players not currently in Liam Rosenior’s plans, and Roberto Mancini is lurking.
Jeremy Jacquet has reportedly chosen to join Liverpool in the summer, a blow to Chelsea, who looked as if they would be signing the French talent at one point. Mamadou Sarr is being recalled from Strasbourg.
That seems to be the extent of any incoming signings at Chelsea on the final day of the window. But in terms of outgoings, there will be plenty of movement. Aaron Anselmino is set to replace Sarr in France.
In an ideal world, who is walking through the door on Deadline Day?🤔
Which defender should Chelsea sign after Jeremy Jacquet blow
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Tyrique George is set to go on loan to Everton with a permanent option, while the future of a few others hangs in the balance. One player that could leave on deadline is another recalled, in David Datro Fofana.
Roberto Mancini eyes late Chelsea raid despite initial bid rejected
Fofana is back at Chelsea after the Blues ended his loan spell at Turkish SuperLig side Fatih Karagumruk early. It was the £10m signing’s fourth loan away from Chelsea, scoring eight goals in 15 appearances.
Datro Fofana of Chelsea during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium
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Fofana has no future at Chelsea. The striker has a contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2029, but even Fofana has asked to leave Chelsea in the last 48 hours. Now, clubs are lining up to land the Ivorian.
According to TeamTalk, Al Sadd, who have recently appointed Roberto Mancini as manager, made a bid to sign Fofana on loan, but Chelsea rejected it as they want a permanent exit. Al Sadd remain keen.
Which other clubs are considering a late move for Fofana?
Earlier in the window, before Fofana was recalled, Celtic were linked with a move for Fofana. Derby County and Belgian side Royal Antwerp, too. Since then, a handful of French sides are supposedly keen.
We had the whole of January to sign Jeremy Jacquet and come up short 😡
Who is to blame for this?!
Fabrizio Romano update on Jeremy Jacquet
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Fofana wants an exit and Chelsea are happy to sell the striker if the price is right between now and the deadline. The Blues may even consider a loan with an obligation to make a deal permanent later on.
But all parties involved will be keen to avoid a situation in which Fofana remains at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the deadline. The final hours of the window will tell us more about Fofana’s future.
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