Chelsea pay above the odds to secure striker signing with deal given ‘here we go’ confirmation
A medical is all that remains after Chelsea wrapped up agreements over both the transfer fee and personal terms with David Datro Fofana.
The Blues have been linked with the Ivorian striker for a while now, but the transfer took a giant leap forward today – on the striker’s 20th birthday.
Graham Potter is in need of attacking reinforcements at the moment and while Fofana is still only a youngster, he should get plenty of opportunities to play in the first team this season.
Fofana penned a four-year contract with Molde in February 2021, but, after netting 24 goals in 65 appearances for the club overall, is now preparing for his new challenge in the Premier League.
This season he has been in particularly prolific form, scoring 15 goals in 25 appearances for the Norwegian outfit.
Twitter transfer guru Fabrizio Romano gave the seal of approval for Chelsea’s latest signing earlier today.
He said: “Excl: David Datro Fofana to Chelsea, done deal and here we go!
“There’s full agreement between all parties, deal sealed.
“Been told medical tests will take place today in London, on his birthday.
“Born in 2002, Ivorian striker will join Chelsea from Molde for €12m fee.”
Romano originally stated that the Blues would pay around €10m to sign Fofana. However, a slightly inflated price of €12m (approx £10.6m) has now been agreed, with Chelsea clearly keen to ensure Fofana doesn’t slip through their fingers.
The young forward will hope to be the next on the list of former Molde players to shine in the English top flight.
Manchester United icon Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester City’s indominable striker Erling Haaland also kickstarted their careers with the club, so Fofana has a lot to live up to.
Fofana could be the answer to Chelsea’s striker issues
For Chelsea, the deal makes a lot of practical sense.
Armando Broja recently picked up an ACL injury which is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the season, leaving Potter with just one out-and-out centre forward at his disposal: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon striker will likely be the manager’s first choice for now, but the 33-year-old has found the net just once in the Premier League for the Blues, so they have been crying out for other options.
Kai Havertz can play through the middle if required, but neither he nor Aubameyang are long-term solutions to their striker problems.
With that in mind, it’s likely Fofana will get his chance in the Premier League this season.
Although, Chelsea have been on the hunt for other forwards, with the most recent name linked being Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, who is reportedly available for a cut-price fee this winter.
The Blues have also recently completed the signing of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, but he will not join his new Chelsea teammates until the summer.
Fofana and Moukoko would be two great young options for Chelsea to have at their disposal as they look to reignite their push for the top four.
That is, if, indeed, they can get both deals over the line in January.
READ MORE: Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea all affected in six ‘VAR mistakes’ in Premier League this season
