Chelsea are set to submit a new bid for Wesley Fofana, but the offer will be less than the world record fee for a defender, according to reports.
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Thomas Tuchel eyes defensive reinforcements for his backline.
The German has admitted in recent days that there is a need to plan for the future, with current defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva coming towards the end of their careers.
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The Brazilian, Silva, is 37-years-old, while captain Azpilicueta has signed a new two-year deal to see him stay at the club until beyond his 34th birthday.
Discussing his current defensive options, Tuchel admitted: ‘It is a lot of experience (with Silva, Azpilicueta and Koulibaly).
"They have their quality and know what they are doing.
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“We need to make sure we have a new generation to take over in the next years but the guys are strong, that is why they have our trust. Yes, there needs to be a balance.
“The game, in general, is very physical and demands a lot. Azpi is the legend that he is, Thiago is still very important to us.
"When we had the chance to sign Kalidou we did it because we believe he has some years ahead of him.
“But, in general, it is the fact that — like the goalkeeper and the two holding midfielders — they are in their thirties and that is just what it is.”
Therefore, there is a need for Chelsea to plan for the future in defence and Fofana is the primary target for both the present and the future of Tuchel’s backline.
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As reported by Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are still pushing for Fofana but their third bid will not be a world record fee.
The Blues are thought to still be hoping for a fee of below £80 million, while also wishing for more meaningful talks before submitting their bid.
Todd Boehly is said to be keen for a ‘back and forth’ between the two clubs in order to work out the ‘true stance’ of Leicester as they attempt to sign the defender.
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There is excitement around the situation, with it believed that Fofana is keen to make the switch to Chelsea.
Furthermore, Fofana is set to feature against Arsenal in the Premier League at the weekend as this stand, with Chelsea yet to submit their bid.
The Blues believe that the structure of the bid is important, with Boehly keen to discuss this rather than submit a ‘blind bid’.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Wesley Fofana, Leicester City, Football, Transfers, Premier League
Nick Emms