Chelsea has recently inquired about the availability of Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to multiple reports.
Fofana joined Lyon in January 2024 as a replacement for the departed Bradley Barcola, who moved to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. The 20-year-old had a remarkable first full season in French football, netting 11 goals and providing six assists across all competitions.
Chelsea is actively seeking a new forward.
They previously made an unsuccessful attempt to acquire Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens before the Club World Cup, and manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that strengthening the wide positions is one of the club’s primary objectives.
As initially reported by the French publication L’Équipe, Chelsea has made an inquiry, adding themselves to the extensive list of Premier League clubs interested in Fofana. This interest was subsequently confirmed by The Athletic.
It is reported that Chelsea is the first team to initiate contact with Lyon; however, Liverpool has been in communication with Fofana’s representatives for an extended period and is believed to have a significant opportunity to acquire the Belgium international this summer.
Manchester United is also mentioned as a party of interest.Lyon is experiencing financial instability this summer, having been provisionally relegated due to the severity of their financial issues.
Nevertheless, the transfers of Rayan Cherki to Manchester City and Saïd Benrahma to the Saudi club Neom have alleviated some of the financial pressure.
Consequently, Lyon is willing to ask for approximately €50 million (£42.6 million, $57.8 million) to part with Fofana, who is contracted until 2028.
At this stage, Chelsea’s efforts are not believed to have resulted in any tangible outcomes.
Gittens continues to be a primary target, but Dortmund’s stringent negotiating position has evidently elicited a reaction from Maresca’s team.