Chelsea ‘Preparing to Sell’ 22-year-old Forwar This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Weigh Up David Datro Fofana Sale Amid European Interest

Chelsea are preparing to sell striker David Datro Fofana, according to an exclusive report from TeamTalk, with the club ready to green light his departure if a suitable offer arrives. The Ivorian forward, 22, has returned to training after recovering from a knee injury and is once again fully fit and motivated.

Fofana, who joined Chelsea from Molde in early 2023, has spent the past two seasons out on loan at Union Berlin, Burnley and Goztepe. Across those spells, he scored eight goals in 41 appearances — not the return Chelsea would have hoped for when they invested in his potential.

As TeamTalk reports, “Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana has returned to training following an injury, and the Blues are ready to sell the player for the right price amid growing interest.” This interest is reportedly coming from several French and Italian clubs, with contacts already initiated.

“Contacts with some of these clubs have already begun, as Fofana is seen as a strong option in the market, despite his recent injury struggles,” the article confirms.

Photo IMAGO

Busy Window Expected as Maresca Implements Vision

New head coach Enzo Maresca appears open to allowing Fofana to leave, particularly as Chelsea look to streamline their attacking options and move forward with a more defined structure. The striker still has four years remaining on his deal, but Chelsea will not hesitate to part ways if a club meets their valuation.

This follows the imminent £20 million departure of Armando Broja to Burnley, which signals that the club is not shy about shifting its forward line.

Nicolas Jackson is also considering his options, with the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap pushing him down the pecking order. Christopher Nkunku continues to be linked with a move away, with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan circling.

Additionally, Marc Guiu, the highly-rated 19-year-old forward, has been loaned to Sunderland for regular game time. All signs point to an evolving strategy in Cobham, with Chelsea focused on both trimming their squad and creating a platform for sustainable success.

Fofana Still Holds Market Value Despite Setbacks

Despite his injury and moderate goal return, Fofana is still viewed positively across Europe. His physical condition has reportedly improved significantly since returning from injury, and he remains just 22 years old.

His age, raw attributes and European experience make him an attractive project for clubs outside the Premier League. There’s a strong sense that his Chelsea chapter could close soon, but his wider story in top-level football is far from over.

As TeamTalk notes, “Sources suggest that the next few days will be key in deciding Fofana’s future, as the transfer market heats up.” The clock is ticking as Chelsea look to make decisive moves before the window closes.

Eyes on Reinvestment and Squad Balance

Chelsea’s summer has been full of transition. The confirmed signing of Jorrell Hato and potential other arrivals show that while exits are inevitable, the Blues are equally focused on building a competitive, younger core.

Fofana’s sale would make room both financially and tactically for new names to enter, and Maresca appears focused on identifying players who fit his system precisely. Whether Fofana eventually lands in France or Italy, it seems clear his future lies away from Stamford Bridge.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For many Chelsea supporters, Fofana’s potential was intriguing when he arrived from Molde. He was raw, but carried the kind of promise the club hoped could be developed either on loan or in-house. Now, with his return from injury and little indication that he’s in Maresca’s plans, it feels like the right time to part ways.

There’s no doubt he’s talented, but his spells at Union Berlin and Burnley didn’t quite set the world alight. The injury at Goztepe was unfortunate timing, and while it’s encouraging to hear he’s fully fit again, the reality is that Chelsea’s attacking setup is undergoing a massive transformation. Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have added depth, and there’s still the question of Nkunku’s future.

Chelsea fans will be more focused on where the funds from Fofana’s potential sale will go. If they can be reinvested into a player more aligned with Maresca’s possession-based system, then it’s a pragmatic move. We want hungry, intelligent attackers who can press, combine and score. Fofana hasn’t shown enough of that at Premier League level, and this feels like a natural exit for all parties.

Still, at 22, he could surprise us all abroad. Just maybe, Chelsea will include a sell-on clause — because there’s still some spark in Fofana that could ignite in the right system.