Chelsea Transfer News: Wesley Fofana Reunion Discussed after 12 Months at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea has reportedly extended an offer to Bayern Munich to sign Wesley Fofana in the upcoming summer transfer window. The talented French defender joined the Blues just a year ago. Despite facing a challenging season due to numerous injuries, he remains a crucial part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the first team.
Pochettino’s official first day as Chelsea’s new manager was on Monday, July 4. He spent the day meeting both football and non-football staff members, culminating in a barbecue. Chelsea full training began on 4th July (Tuesday) for senior players who did not participate in international duty.
Among the players who won’t be returning until the weekend is Fofana. He recently made his senior debut for France in June. However, there was a possibility that Fofana’s return might not have happened at all. Sport1 reporter Kerry Hau revealed that Fofana was ‘offered’ to Bayern Munich. But the German champions turned down the opportunity to sign him.
If the move to Bayern had materialized, Fofana would have reunited with Thomas Tuchel. The manager who brought him to Stamford Bridge from Leicester City in a deal worth up to £75 million. Although Bayern is in need of defensive reinforcements. They considered Fofana too costly as they close in on the signing of Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.
Is a Fofana a good option for Pochettino’s tenure at Chelsea?
With the futures of Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva currently uncertain, Fofana has a significant opportunity to establish himself as an indispensable player under Pochettino. Another defensive option, Cesar Azpilicueta, will also leave the club. As he will be moving to Atletico Madrid after the agreement to terminate his contract with Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Chalobah’s potential summer move from Chelsea to Inter Milan is reportedly under negotiation. The two clubs are discussing a loan deal with an obligation to buy, but Chelsea insists on including a buy-back clause, which has become a sticking point. Nevertheless, talks are still ongoing.
A reduced level of competition in the defensive line would pave the way for the 22-year-old Fofana to become the preferred choice on the right side of a central defensive partnership, potentially alongside either Levi Colwill or Benoit Badiashile.
However, both Colwill and Badiashile face challenges in making an immediate impact under Pochettino. Colwill is currently away representing England in the Under-21 European Championships, while Badiashile is dealing with a severe hamstring injury. Nonetheless, it has been reported that Badiashile has resumed training in the gym to accelerate his recovery process.
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