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Wesley Fofana: Chelsea complete signing of Leicester’s French defender in £75m deal | Transfer Center News

Chelsea have completed the signing of Leicester centre-back Wesley Fofana in a deal worth up to £75m.

Chelsea will pay an initial £70m, with a further £5m possible in add-ons and Fofana has signed a seven-year contract with the club.

Leicester and Chelsea agreed a fee for Fofana on Saturday, with the defender flying to the USA on Monday for his medical.

Fofana said: “The two last days have been really big days for me and I’m very happy. I trained this morning with the team and it’s a dream for me. I’m very excited to start playing games for the fans and the club.

“I’m here to win trophies – the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, everything. I came here to win and the club is built to win trophies so I’m here to continue that.”

Wesley Fofana released a statement on his Instagram
Images:
Wesley Fofana released a statement on his Instagram


Fofana later released a statement on his Instagram thanking Leicester fans for their “kindness and your constant support, even in the moments you were led to believe I didn’t respect the club”. Fofana also appeared to criticize Leicester and manager Brendan Rodgers for their handling of the long-running transfer saga.

Fofana added: “I chose not to communicate during this transfer window despite all the criticism and all the often false and misleading comments, even when they were coming from the club.

“I understood and I learned. I didn’t want to damage the image of the institution and I chose to take it rather than answer. I thank Top for his understanding, thanks to the managers, to the coach who has always appreciated me, even if he chose to expose me a lot lately… I got it coach.”

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly added: “Wesley is a hugely promising defender who has already proven his quality in the Premier League at a young age. We are delighted we were able to bring one of Europe’s most exciting talents to Chelsea and further strengthen that area of our squad, both for this season and many more to come.”

Chelsea had made three previous bids for Fofana which were all swiftly rejected by Leicester – two in excess of £60m and one believed to be £60m plus £10m in add-ons.

Rodgers confirmed the player had been training with Leicester’s U23 team after failing to turn up to a training session last week, with the Frenchman trying to force a move to Stamford Bridge.

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A look back at Wesley Fofana’s Premier League best bits for Leicester City

After Chelsea beat Leicester 2-1 on Saturday, Rodgers revealed his intentions to get a quick resolution in the Fofana transfer saga.

“I think it’s the same with any player,” he said. “If they decide they want to move and they see their future elsewhere, it’s always better to have it done as quickly as you possibly can.

“You have to prepare a team and you have to replace that player. It’s only normal – every coach will tell you the same. I don’t think it benefits anyone if it drags on.”

Leicester make Fae’s move

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With Leicester closing in on a new summer signing, the Transfer Talk panel discusses what Wout Faes would bring to the side.

Reims centre-back Wout Faes was heading to England on Wednesday for further discussions and a medical ahead of his proposed move to Leicester as a potential replacement for Fofana.

Leicester are aware that time is tight and have other defensive options they are actively pursuing in case the Faes deal does not come to fruition.

The deal under discussion between the clubs is for a fee that could rise to £15m.

Leicester are also looking at a number of right wingers, although a loan deal may be the most likely option.

Arsenal & Newcastle retain Tieleman’s interest

Youri Tielemans has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal

Arsenal retain an interest in Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans, but have made no fresh bid for the Belgian international, at this late stage of the window.

Newcastle are also monitoring Tielemans’ situation.

With the deadline looming, it looks increasingly likely that the 5-year-old will still be a Leicester player once the window has shut, although Sky Sports News understands Leicester would be prepared to sell him on Deadline Day if a buyer was prepared to meet their £25m valuation.

Tielemans has entered the final year of his contract, and unless he agrees a new deal, he can leave for free in the summer.

The 25-year-old completed a permanent move to Leicester on a four-year deal from Monaco in the summer of 2019 after a successful initial six-month loan spell. Tielemans has 24 goals and 24 assists in 163 appearances for Leicester.

How to follow Deadline Day on Sky Sports

Time is running out for clubs to do business in the transfer window. Here’s all you need to know about Deadline Day and how to follow the drama with Sky Sports.

On TV, online and on the go: You won’t miss a moment of the Deadline Day drama with Sky Sports.

Follow the latest transfer news and rumors in our dedicated Transfer Center blog on the Sky Sports website and app – and make sure you bookmark our latest Done Deals page.

You’ll be able to keep track of all the developments on Sky Sports News, as well as getting the best analysis and reaction from our studio guests and reporters at grounds across the country and in Europe.

Our Deadline Day programming starts at 7am and continues throughout the day on Sky Sports News, where you will be able to hear from Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Shay Given, Wes Morgan, Paul Robinson, Lianne Sanderson, Nigel De Jong and many more.

And to avoid missing out on any of the news wherever you are, look out for live streaming of Sky Sports News on the Sky Sports News YouTube page and on the Sky Sports app at 7am, 12pm and 8pm on Thursday.