Wesley Fofana talks to 'intensify' as Leicester open to Chelsea sale for €95 million

Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Wesley Fofana, with Leicester City now open to selling the defender for close to €95 million, according to reports in France.

The 21-year-old has been the priority target for Thomas Tuchel as he looks to reinforce his backline this summer.

The most recent reports stated that the Blues had seen two bids turned down by Leicester for their defender, with it looking unlikely that they would allow him to depart this summer.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said last week: “There's been an offer to the club, but nowhere near the valuation of our ownership. We didn't even think about it. 

Wesley Fofana of Leicester City looks on. (Alamy)

“The club know the value of what they have, and any player that leaves here, they will always want the top valuation on that player. That's only natural, but historically, Leicester have done that very well.”

Chelsea head coach Tuchel refused to discuss speculation linking his side to the Frenchman, saying: “I will not comment. No matter how good your question may be, I will not comment,”

“We could use one more central defender. If you look at the numbers and we play with a back three. The profile of the guys in the three is a little bit different, I admit. “Playing with Azpi, more a fullback than central defender. Cucurella it’s possible.”

Reports in France now believe that Chelsea are coming closer to signing the 21-year-old, with Leicester open to a sale.

As reported by Santi Aouna of footmercato.net, the Foxes have ‘opened the door’ to the departure of Fofana.

There is an agreement already in place between the 21-year-old and Chelsea over a transfer to Stamford Bridge this summer, with Leicester now setting their asking price.

It would reportedly take €95 million for Chelsea to sign Fofana this summer, with Leicester unable to turn down such fee.

The negotiations are set to ‘intensify’ over the weekend, with intermediaries now involved in the negotiations.

Wesley Fofana #3 of Leicester City waves to the supporters. (Alamy)

Rodgers’ side are now considering replacements for Fofana if he is to leave, handing Chelsea a huge boost in their pursuit for a new defender.

Fofana played in Leicester’s Premier League opener against Brentford, a 2-2 draw.

He is in line to start as the Foxes travel to London to face Arsenal on Saturday, with a move to Chelsea still in the works as they look to sign the 21-year-old by the end of the transfer window.