Chelsea have sanctioned a 41st transfer of the summer, with a surprise deal on the verge of being completed.
It's been well documented that Chelsea had to trim their squad massively under Enzo Maresca, with so many players on the books that a 'bomb squad' of around 15 unwanted stars began training together.
Chelsea splurged out on 11 new signings in the transfer window, signing off with the loan addition of Jadon Sancho on transfer deadline day.
They had to clear out plenty of dead wood on their books and now David Datro Fofana is to become their 41st departee.
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The 21-year-old forward is set to be loaned to Greek Super League side AEK Athens for the season.
The transfer window in Greece closes on Wednesday evening but the deal is poised to be wrapped up beforehand.
According to reports, AEK will have the option to buy Fofana permanently for £20 million.
He reportedly had interest from clubs in England, namely Championship side Hull City, as well as Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart, Spanish side Villarreal and Europa League winners Atalanta holding discussions.
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But he will now head out to the Greek capital for his next challenge and his Chelsea adventure could be over before it even began.
The Blues signed Fofana from Norwegian club Molde for a fee of around £8 million in January 2023.
He made just four appearances and spent time on loan at Union Berlin and Burnley, where he scored five times in 15 appearances.
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Fofana will take Chelsea's outgoings to 41 when it comes to players released, sold or loaned.
Thiago Silva was the first to leave after his contract expired and notable players to have exited include Raheem Sterling, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Romelu Lukaku, Lewis Hall, Ian Maatsen, Armando Broja and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
There could still be further departures from Chelsea though. Former vice-captain Ben Chilwell is still at the club despite being frozen out and youngsters Deivid Washington, Alex Matos and Harvey Vale are still available for loan if suitors from leagues like Turkey emerge.
Topics: Chelsea, Enzo Maresca
Josh Lawless