Wesley Fofana has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and appears to be closing in on a transfer to Stamford Bridge, and it appeared he could have been saying goodbye to the Leicester City fans following their defeat to Arsenal.
Brendan Rodgers' side were beaten 4-2 by Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon as Gabriel Jesus starred in the victory in north London.
Fofana was handed a start by Rodgers despite the ongoing speculation over his future amid interest and talks with Chelsea, with it being claimed that he has agreed personal terms to join the Blues.
Advert
After the full-time whistle, the 21-year-old was seen embracing the travelling support in the capital as his teammates chatted and swapped shirts.
Fofana went over to the fans on his own which appeared to be a potential final farewell as his transfer to Chelsea appears to near.
Leicester were well-beaten so an apology could've been there, but with his current situation it's worth bearing in mind that his final game for the club could have just come, or be nearing.
Thomas Tuchel refused to comment on Fofana as talks continue between the clubs. Chelsea have already had two bids rejected for the France international.
The Chelsea head coach confirmed on Friday that he ideally wanted to sign one more central defender this summer.
“I will not comment. No matter how good your question may be, I will not comment," replied Tuchel when asked about Fofana.
He added: “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. Both of them cannot play as central defenders.
"We could use one more central defender. Let’s see what happens.”
Leicester City want a world-record transfer fee for Fofana should Chelsea sign him, with the Blues' two rejected bids being well below the Foxes valuation.
If he joins Chelsea, he is set to sign a long-term deal worth around £200,000-a-week, as per the latest reports.
Rodgers provided an update on their Fofana stance, hinting that he would be sold if the valuation was met.
“There was two (bids), but nowhere near what the club would consider. We’re not looking to sell.
"Naturally if there’s interest from other clubs, that is looked at by the club. He’s a top young defender and there are not too many around his age.”
When asked for his gut feeling about whether Fofana would be a Leicester player come the end of the summer transfer window, Rodgers replied: “I don’t think about it.
“It can affect the whole group if you don’t manage it. You have to keep your eye on the ball.
"But everyone is focused on doing their best in games for Leicester City. For Wesley himself, communicate openly with him."
Topics: Wesley Fofana, Chelsea, Leicester City, Premier League, Football
Absolute Chelsea