Liverpool set to battle Chelsea in the race to sign ‘electric’ forward – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Malick Fofana as Next Long-Term Attacking Investment

Liverpool enter Sunday’s clash with Manchester United needing to reset their Premier League defence. Arne Slot’s champions began with five straight victories but back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and Chelsea have allowed Arsenal to overtake them.

The summer spending was bold and decisive. Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz arrived with fanfare, yet early impressions suggest Ekitike has been the standout of the trio. Slot will expect improvement from the others and fresh competition may soon arrive.

Interest Mounts in Malick Fofana

According to CaughtOffside, both Liverpool and Chelsea are monitoring electric Lyon winger Malick Fofana, who has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s top young performers.

“Both Liverpool and Premier League rivals Chelsea are in the race to sign Lyon star Malick Fofana.”

Fofana’s trajectory since moving from Gent to Lyon has been striking. Seventeen goals and eight assists in 71 appearances for a side in transition underlines his consistency. At just 20 years old, he has already scored twice in seven Ligue 1 matches this season.

Photo: IMAGO

Contract Situation Gives Clubs Hope

Fofana is contracted until 2027-28 which would ordinarily signal that Lyon hold the power. However his entourage are positioning for a move at the end of this campaign. That typically means groundwork is being laid well in advance. Liverpool have been proactive in recent windows, securing deals before prices inflate. Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to stockpile young attacking talent without always establishing a clear pathway to the first team.

Perfect Fit for Slot’s System?

Slot’s approach relies heavily on wide players who are direct, dynamic and efficient off the ball. Fofana’s profile aligns with that template. He presses aggressively, drives inside from both flanks and has shown maturity in high-pressure fixtures. While Wirtz operates more centrally and Ekitike is still bedding in, another wide forward with long-term upside would give Liverpool options across competitions.

Adding another young winger could raise questions about minutes for current squad members. Yet Liverpool under Slot have embraced rotation and competition rather than relying on a fixed trio. If the deal makes sense financially, Liverpool will act. Chelsea’s presence complicates matters but Liverpool have recently outmanoeuvred rivals by presenting more coherent sporting projects.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This rumour feels credible rather than speculative. Liverpool recruiting another emerging forward would be consistent with their succession planning. Fans will not be upset by the idea of adding a player with 17 goals before his 21st birthday. The question is where he fits. With Wirtz, Ekitike, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah still contributing at a high level, there is already fierce competition out wide.

However most supporters recognise that top clubs prepare two windows ahead. If Salah’s long-term future remains unresolved or if Diaz receives significant offers from abroad, the club must be ready. Fofana represents an opportunity to secure a future starter rather than scrambling later.

The Chelsea interest is annoying rather than worrying. Their recruitment strategy often feels like collecting Panini stickers rather than building a team. Liverpool provide clear development pathways. If Fofana is ambitious and strategic rather than impulsive, he will see Anfield as the smarter destination.

If this link evolves beyond early noise, expect Liverpool to move quickly. Slot has shown already that he favours work-rate and intelligence over reputation. Fofana ticks both boxes.