Chelsea step up interest in Leicester City defender

Chelsea are in need of strengthening their defence. A recent 4-0 drubbing by Arsenal in the Florida cup shows how desperate they are in need of reinforcements at the back.

The West London side have not had the best of luck when it has come to defenders recently with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both departing. While Jules Kounde looks set to move to Barcelona after being heavily linked with Thomas Tuchel’s side.

They have, however, signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli but Chelsea are interested in bringing in another centre-back which reportedly is Leicester City’s, Wesley Fofana.

The Sun has stated that “Chelsea could reportedly have to pay a world-record transfer fee to sign Wesley Fofana.

“The Blues are plotting a swoop for the Leicester City defender after missing out on Jules Kounde.”

A world-record transfer fee for Fofana does sound a lot for the Leicester defender who is yet to make an appearance for his country. However, Chelsea is known for spending the big bucks and new owner Todd Boehly will be looking to keep the club as competitive as they were under Roman Abramovich by spending.

Fofana was born in Marseille, France and started his career at Saint-Étienne. He made his debut for the club in 2019 and went on to make 30 appearances for the club before joining Leicester.

He has made 50 appearances for the Foxes and won the FA Cup in 2021 with the club where they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the final thanks to a rocket from Youri Tielemans.

Is it Time to Leave Leicester City for Wesley Fofana?

Leicester have endured a difficult transfer window and are yet to sign a single player. Their FA Cup hero Youri Tielemans and long-serving goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel have also been linked with moves away from the club.

Staying at Leicester may be wiser to ensure he gets more game time ahead of the tournament. However, if he stays, given the club’s record in the transfer window so far, things could get rather bleak for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The club finished last season in 8th place which was disappointing for Rodgers as the club will now have to make do without European football next season. This could be the reason for their lack of signings as well as many of their top players potentially on their way out.

Approaching World Cup works into Chelsea’s hands

Fofana has only been capped by France at the U21 level and with this being a World Cup year a move to a club like Chelsea could help him attract the attention of his national team coach Didier Deschamps.

France are the reigning World Cup champions having beaten Croatia in the final in Russia in 2018. If Fofana is to get his move to Chelsea then he will have to hit the ground running as there is not long until the Qatar tournament starts in November so he would have to settle in quickly.

Fofana is only 21 and must ensure his next move is at a club where he can play regularly and develop. A big-money move to Chelsea would put a lot of pressure on the young man but Tuchel’s side needs strengthening at the back and the responsibility may be the test that Fofana needs for him to progress.