Why Wesley Fofana's Chelsea transfer is delayed as Blues owners send him to US for medical

Wesley Fofana’s big-money transfer to Chelsea is expected to be completed in the coming days after he flew to the United States to undergo his medical.

The 21-year-old is set for a £70 million plus add-ons switch to Stamford Bridge this summer after the clubs agreed a fee prior to Chelsea’s 2-1 win over the Foxes in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon in west London. 

Fofana will get his wanted transfer and his move will be made official before Thursday’s deadline, but there is a slight delay. 

Wesley Fofana in Premier League action against Brentford. (Alamy)

As reported by The Athletic, he has flown to America to undergo his medical.

The hierarchy has chosen to send him to the US as an additional piece of mind following his leg break in 2021, with no problems expected.

RMC Sport adds that he is in New York undergoing the medical.

It will see his transfer confirmed in the next couple of days, making him Thomas Tuchel’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window. 

The Chelsea head coach was asked about the central defender at the weekend, but he refused to comment.

“No, I can’t tell you nothing about that," responded Tuchel on Fofana's imminent move.

Leicester have finally been convinced to part ways with the highly-rated defender and Rodgers provided an update on the situation.

He added: “It’s the same with any player. For me if they decide they want to move and see their future elsewhere it is better to have it done as quickly as you possibly can.

“You have to prepare a team and a group of players and you have to maybe replace that player.

"Every coach will tell you the same. It doesn’t benefit anyone if it drags on. So we will see what happens over the weekend.”

Wesley Fofana

It’s set to be a busy week for Chelsea who are eyeing both incomings and outgoings. Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu could all leave the club before the end of the transfer window. 

Moves for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Anthony Gordon are becoming increasingly unlikely due to demands and transfer valuations. 

Interest has surfaced in Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, while the Eagles have lodged a £27 million bid to try to re-sign Conor Gallagher.

What happens between now and Thursday's deadline is unknown, but work is being done behind the scenes to ensure Tuchel has the best possible squad to compete in 2022-23.