Chelsea reportedly want to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United to the signing of Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea are targeting the 20-year-old star as a potential target.
It is understood that Thomas Tuchel’s side may be active in next summer’s window, with Leicester’s £78million-rated youngster on their radar.
The report adds that Chelsea representatives have already been in contact with Fofana, but Man United are named as a potential rival to his signature.
Fofana, who’s been sidelined through injury since August, hasn’t played a single minute yet this season. He made a huge impact at the King Power Stadium last year during his debut campaign in English football, though.
The centre-back is still under contract with the Foxes until 2025.
Fofana superb Chelsea target
If Chelsea are to undergo a defensive reshuffle next summer, Fofana is the kind of replacement fans can get excited about.
He’s a superb centre-half with pace, aggression and maturity for someone so young.
The Frenchman has experience in playing in a back-three, so he ticks many boxes for Thomas Tuchel’s Blues.
In addition, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers described him as “absolutely colossal” last November after being blown away by the rising star.
What’s the latest with Blues defence?
Chelsea transfer links to centre-backs make sense when you consider the uncertainty around the club’s current crop of defenders.
As it stands, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva are all out of contract next summer.
For Rudiger, he’s been linked with top clubs such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. However, he’s explained he’s focused right now on his Chelsea career and will wait to see in the future.
Christensen has reportedly been close to extend his contract at the Bridge.
Finally, fans are waiting to hear some concrete news on the futures of senior duo Azpilicueta and Silva.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Twitter account here.