Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea have England World Cup hopeful in mind in case third bid for ‘priority’ target fails

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson and Brighton centre-back Adam Webster

Chelsea remain focused on signing ‘priority’ target Wesley Fofana, though a deal for Brighton’s Adam Webster could be explored if Leicester stand firm, per a report.

The Blues have already seen two colossal bids for Wesley Fofana knocked back. Leicester are at a crossroads this summer with several of their highest profile stars in high demand.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano recently deemed Youri Tielemans one to watch in the final 10 days of the window. The Belgian has long been linked with a move to Arsenal, while James Maddison is on Tottenham and Newcastle’s radar.

Fofana too is in the crosshairs of a bigger club, with Chelsea seeking to complete their defensive revamp by signing the Frenchman.

The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the finest young centre-halves in the Premier League.

Chelsea certainly agree with that assessment having already seen bids of £60m and £65m tabled and duly knocked back.

Fofana has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea. A six-year deal will be signed if the move does occur.

Leicester left Fofana out of their squad to face Southampton on Saturday. Manager Brendan Rodgers claimed his centre-half was not in the right frame of mind to pull on a Foxes jersey.

Fofana pursuit coming to a head

That sparked hope an anticipated third bid for Fofana might finally bear fruit. Chelsea are expected to bid a third time, though are reluctant to make Fofana the world’s most expensive defender.

That honour is currently held by Harry Maguire through his £80m move to Manchester United in 2019.

Chelsea want to avoid placing extra pressure on Fofana and becoming the world’s most expensive defender would put him under the microscope. However, with Leicester valuing him at £85m, something has to give.

If the Foxes do stand firm and Chelsea refuse to break the bank, the Daily Mail report Brighton’s Adam Webster is an alternative.

The 27-year-old continues to impress at the AMEX and is reportedly on their list of Fofana alternatives.

While the Mail did not hint at how much Webster would cost, a report from the Express in February claimed Brighton value him around the £40m mark.

Adam Webster interest persists through regime change

Webster had been tipped for an England call-up earlier in 2022, though an ill-timed injury lay-off scuppered his chances.

However, with Harry Maguire struggling at United, Conor Coady only suited to a back three, and Tyrone Mings off form at Aston Villa, Webster may be a late contender for Qatar 2022.

Webster reportedly first came onto Chelsea’s radar last season during a man of the match display against the Blues.

He scored in that contest that ended 1-1 on January 18. Per the Mail, he remains a target despite the regime change at Stamford Bridge.