Chelsea have reportedly given up on trying to sign Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, with Manchester City also linked with the French defender who the Blues have failed to land this summer.
According to the Sun, the west London side have pulled out of talks with the Foxes to sign the 21-year-old, with Leicester rejecting a third bid from Chelsea for Fofana has the Premier League giants look to have failed in their attempt to bring the youngster to the English capital.
As per the report, Leicester have stuck to their joint-world record demand of £85m for Fofana, a fee the Blues simply aren’t willing to meet despite Thomas Tuchel intent on signing the former Saint-Etienne star this summer as well as the player himself keen on a move to Chelsea.
Whilst the Blues have been the main side chasing Fofana this summer, they’re far from the only major club interested in the defender, with City reportedly also fans of the 21-year-old Premier League prospect, though a move now looks unlikely at this stage of the window from the English champions.
The Manchester giants have spent big this summer on the likes of Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Julian Alvarez, and whilst a centre-back in Fofana could be a good signing, Chelsea’s failure to land the defender for with a third bid could deter City from moving for the Leicester star.
Labelled as a ‘colossal’ by Rodgers, Fofana is on track to become one of the best defenders in world football given his age and incredible record already in the Premier League, yet Chelsea pulling out of a deal to sign the centre-back is a big blow for the player, however, it could also be a blessing in disguise.
Chelsea’s failed bid to sign Fofana could lead to great things for all parties
Chelsea’s venture to sign Fofana has been one massive failure, with Leicester standing firm with their £85m asking price and the Blues simply not bowing down to the Foxes’ demands, yet in 12 months time or even in January, there’s a more than likely chance that this deal will be revisited with the west London side paying the fee.
After all, Chelsea are in need of a quality young defender, with Fofana perfect for the Blues’ style of play, and with Tuchel missing out on the centre-back this summer, there’s a strong chance that the German head coach can crack in the upcoming transfer windows and pay the fee Leicester are demanding for their star talent.
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