Chelsea are readying their first offer to Leicester City for defender Wesley Fofana this summer, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel is on the hunt for more defenders to rebuild his back-line after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers at the end of last season.
Chelsea have already made one addition, bringing in Kalidou Koulibaly to the club from Napoli in a £34 million deal.
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Tuchel was full of praise for the 31-year-old after their 3-1 over Udinese, which saw Koulibaly play 70 minutes in Italy.
The Chelsea head coach admitted: "He deserves (praise). A very, very good signing.
"A strong personality, a strong player and happy that he could play 70 minutes now.
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“He’s getting fitter and fitter which is very important for us for the start of the season."
They have lost out on the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde after Bayern Munich and Barcelona won the respective races for the defenders. A move for Nathan Ake was also rejected by Manchester City this summer.
Meanwhile, Fofana has been longly admired by Chelsea and the Blues are considering alternative transfer targets this summer.
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Leicester City’s stance has been that the France international is not for sale, but a fresh report from L’Equipe has given Chelsea a boost.
Amid previous reports of a minimum £70 million valuation, Chelsea are claimed to no longer want to waste time on improving their defence and will 'quickly draw its first offer' for Fofana.
If an offer is made that is deemed acceptable by the Foxes, they won't oppose a departure, fully aware of Fofana's goal to play at the World Cup later this year in Qatar with France.
Man City and PSG are also both interested in Fofana. He is being considered by PSG should negotiations with Inter Milan for a deal to sign Milan Skriniar fail.
Fofana, 21, signed a new long-term contract with the Foxes back in March until 2027, putting Leicester in a favourable position over his future at the King Power.
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When signing his new deal, Fofana said: “I’m really happy to sign a new contract. It shows the Club have confidence in me offering me a contract to 2027. I’m really happy to be here. It’s my Club, I love the fans, so I’m really happy and really looking forward to being back playing.
“I love everything about the Club. I love the city, I love the fans. It’s a family which is what I love the most. Everyone is close and gets on well.
"We also have a great team and are continuing to progress, with a desire to win more trophies. That’s why I have committed my future to the Club until 2027. I want to achieve more with the Club. There is a lot of talent here and still a lot more we can do together.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Wesley Fofana, Chelsea, Leicester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
