(Football news) Graham Potter is set to make his first signing as Chelsea manager with the Blues closing in on a deal for Molde’s young striker David Datro Fofana. Todd Boehly had appointed the former Brighton boss in September but Potter has so far been forced to work with the squad that he inherited from Thomas Tuchel and he looks to add his own touch to the squad. Hence Graham Potter, who is in need to sign a striker, has identified Ivory Coast international Fofana as their main target, having scored 21 goals and registered seven assists for Molde this season and will arrive next month to help boost Potter’s options in attack.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the personal terms are yet to be agreed with the 19-year-old but negotiations are expected to be a formality completed with the player before the completion of a deal that will eventually be worth over €10m. Personal terms shouldn’t be a problem as he idolised Dider Drogba growing up and always dreamt of playing for Chelsea. The Blues allowed Romelu Lukaku to rejoin Inter on loan in the summer after a breakdown in his relationship with Tuchel. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was signed as a short-term replacement but the former Arsenal captain’s form has deteriorated after a bright start, while Potter is unwilling to build his forward line around a false nine in Kai Havertz.
Chelsea youngster Armando Broja has shown flashes of promise, but the Albania international is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a ACL tear last Sunday against Aston Villa in a friendly. Despite the fee, there is no indication whether Fofana would be part of the first-team once his work permit status is sorted as some reports claim that he’s “a prospect for the future”. This season he has already scored 15 goals with 5 assists in 24 league appearances for Molde this season already, and has added 4 goals in 10 Europa Conference League matches as well.
‘Scan results…have unfortunately confirmed an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and that surgery will be required,’ read a statement published on Chelsea’s official website on Wednesday. “Following the operation, Armando will work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.”
Also read: Armando Broja is out for the season as Chelsea will look to sign a striker
