Leicester City are determined to keep Chelsea target Wesley Fofana this summer despite his desire to move this summer, according to reports.
The 21-year-old is Chelsea’s priority target for central defence, with head coach Thomas Tuchel admitting that his side need to add to their backline this summer.
Speaking last week, Tuchel revealed: “We could use one more central defender.
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"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. Both of them cannot play as central defenders.
“We could use one more central defender. Let’s see what happens.”
The latest reports believe that Fofana has informed Leicester of his desire to join Chelsea this summer, but that both sides are still some way apart in their valuation.
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The Frenchman is hoping that the Foxes will lower their valuation in order to see him move to Tuchel’s side this summer.
However, the latest developments hand both Chelsea and Fofana a blow in regards to a transfer.
As reported by Rob Tanner of The Athletic, despite Fofana having his head turned, it is unlikely that Leicester will change their stance on his future.
Brendan Rodgers’ side remain determined to keep Fofana at the club for at least another year.
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They will only sell to Chelsea on their terms and this would mean that the Blues have to pay a world record fee for the defender.
Fofana has five years left on his current deal at Leicester, which means the Foxes are in full control of negotiations as Tuchel searches for a defender.
Chelsea’s second bid for Fofana was ‘rejected immediately’ and Leicester see this as the end of the matter.
Selling Fofana is not on the agenda for the Foxes despite Chelsea’s attempts.
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It remains unclear as to whether Tuchel’s side will return with a new bid for Fofana, but it looks like they will have to match Leicester’s extreme valuation if they wish to land the Frenchman.
The report continues to reveal that Chelsea’s most recent bid for Fofana was closer to £60 million than the previously reported £70 million, with Leicester wanting over £80 million to sell him and see him become the most expensive defender in world football.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Leicester City, Wesley Fofana, Football, Transfers