BBC: “Multiple clubs” want €12m striker; could have major effect on Chelsea’s loan plans | OneFootball

This was always going to be a very slow January, and that’s proved to be the case, two weeks in.

The only real action at Chelsea has been on the managerial front. There’s not much to write about in terms of transfers. But things are starting to fall into place now it seems, and it looks like the next few weeks could see some shuffling around of assets, starting with a striker.

Chelsea look to make smart roster move

Nizaar Kinsella claims Chelsea are set to sell David Datro Fofana to free up a loan spot.

Nizaar Kinsella of the BBC is reporting that “multiple clubs” are interested in signing David Datro Fofana, the striker who was bought in January 2023 by Chelsea for €12m. After bouncing around on loan he’s ended up at Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey, where he’s finally found some form. He’s scored 5 in 12 appearances in the Super Lig, as well as 2 in 2 in the cup.

The Blues now want to cash in on the Ivorian. Or cash out, rather. They’ll probably struggle to get their €12m back, but selling DDF has an added bonus. He’s currently using up one of their precious foreign loan slots. Making his deal permanent would bring it back into play, massively opening up their options when it comes to players like Axel Disasi, who is proving impossible to find a full time buyer for.

In other news…

Chelsea’s striker situation is already pretty muddy – the two summer arrivals have struggled to make a huge impact, and one of them in particular looks likely to spend a while out of the first team picture unless he can start scoring.

West Ham are circling around the drain of the Premier League, and are getting desperate for solutions. They’re now sniffing around a player who Chelsea don’t even use.