The incoming of Wesley Fofana will play a vital role in Trevoh Chalobah’s Chelsea future, it has been revealed.
The Blues have reached a verbal agreement for Fofana after personal terms were already agreed regarding a six-year deal.
With Chelsea facing Leicester on Saturday, Fofana will not be involved as he prepares to join Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2022/23 season and beyond.
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With the Blues finally completing their defensive additions late in the transfer window, Fofana will join Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella as incomings this summer.
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for attackers, with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the most likely to arrive this summer.
The Blues have already seen several bids rejected for the Everton winger, while talks are ongoing with Barcelona over Aubameyang.
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It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea can complete further deals to add to Fofana’s signing this summer.
There are set to be several outgoings once Fofana’s transfer is confirmed, with Chalobah set to be granted his Chelsea exit on loan following the arrival of the 21-year-old.
As reported by The Times, Fofana’s arrival will allow Chalobah to depart.
The Cobham graduate had his breakthrough season last campaign but struggled for game time this year, with a loan move looking increasingly likely.
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RB Leipzig and AC Milan are thought to be keen on signing the defender, with Inter Milan also previously linked with a move for Chalobah.
It is thought that his preference would be to join Inter Milan, where he would link up with on-loan Romelu Lukaku after their season together last campaign.
With previous reports stating that Chalobah would seek a departure this summer if Fofana arrives, it looks like the defender is edging ever closer to being granted his wish as he seeks first team football.
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It remains to be seen as to whether Tuchel will be happy to go into the season without Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah, with the first two departing permanently while Sarr left on loan to AS Monaco.
As it stands, Cesar Azpilicueta and Ethan Ampadu are options to play in the back three, while Reece James could also provide cover if needed.
The Blues will be hopeful of finding their defensive form of the past with their new recruit as Tuchel's side look to compete at the top of the Premier League once more.
With Fofana's arrival imminent, Tuchel is one step closer to completing his defensive rebuild.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms