The battle for Wesley Fofana has seen the latest Chelsea bid rejected, according to Fabrizio Romano. Leicester City are meeting the Blues’ bids with resilience, as this is the third bid for the Frenchman, who wants a move to the London club.
The player’s adaptation to the Premier League was described as “incredible” by the PFSA, and the centre-back is emerging as one of the most promising talents in the league.
The Latest Chelsea Bid for Wesley Fofana Has Been Rejected
Leicester have turned down new bid from Chelsea for Wesley Fofana. Fee understood to be around £70m but with difficult add-ons included, as @JPercyTelegraph mentioned. 🚨🔵 #LCFC
Chelsea feel there’s still chance to push/insist for Fofana, as he really wants the move. pic.twitter.com/iIswOXxr4t
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2022
What Did Chelsea Offer?
According to sources, including Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, the West London club’s offer came to around £70 million with add-ons. This could be the highest that the Blues go with a bid.
Ornstein also stated that: “It is believed Chelsea’s offers have been highly conditional, so the total achievable price is not necessarily what Leicester would have realistically received”.
Flexible offers that rely on bonuses are increasingly common in modern football. Clubs seeking to make the most of their players’ success, and reduce risk in unsuccessful purchases.
Why Was the Chelsea Bid Rejected?
The Foxes rejected the move as a result of their own valuation of the centre-back. The King Power Stadium’s hierarchy see Wesley Fofana as a player worth at least £80 million, which breaks the record for a defender’s transfer fee. The current record is said figure when Harry Maguire joined Manchester United.
Despite Leicester rejecting the bid, Brendan Rodgers left Wesley Fofana out of his squad against Southampton. Therefore, there is interest in resolving the issue from all sides.
What Happens Next?
Since there is a firm stalemate after the rejection of Chelsea’s bid, there are a few ways of viewing the situation. The first is one in which The Foxes hold the power. Wesley Fofana is under contract at the club, and in a World Cup year, a potential international centre-back downing tools is far from ideal for the Frenchman’s attempt at securing a place in Qatar. Brendan Rodgers loses relatively little from Fofana staying at the club.
However, Leicester have some struggles of their own. There are no major transfers into the club in the window thus far. Alex Smithies on a free from Cardiff City is the only complete move.
Selling the premium centre-back provides a war chest for the club. The Foxes are currently languishing in the relegation zone, so some investment is a necessity for Premier League survival. Compromising on a deal, getting plenty of funds from a sale to Chelsea and reinvesting in the squad is one of the most likely outcomes.
