Chelsea are discussing whether to make a bid of £72m (plus add-ons) for Leicester centre-back Wesley Fofana, according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs.
The journalist claims the Blues are not looking to break the transfer record for a defender, but their next offer may still get close to £85m, with the performance-related bonuses said to be worth just below £10m:
Little bit more on Fofana. My understanding is #CFC are not talking of tabling £85m just yet. £72m plus add ons (of under £10m) was the number discussed. #CFC still want a deal done for under a world record for a defender if possible. It’s a challenge. https://t.co/WP13BKWzNP
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 16, 2022
In terms of Leicester’s stance, they are very reluctant to let Fofana leave this summer. When the 21-year-old signed his contract extension back in March, it was agreed verbally that the player would remain at the King Power Stadium until 2023 before bids would be considered.
However, Chelsea’s attempts to sign the Frenchman in recent weeks have turned the player’s head, and (as Jacobs mentions) he is said to be unhappy with the asking price that his club is demanding.
After having two bids rejected for Fofana already, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea’s £72m proposal will be enough.
