Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Molde forward David Datro Fofana during the January transfer window.
Last weekend, the Blues were dealt a blow ahead of the return to competitive action as Armando Broja sustained a serious knee injury during a friendly with Aston Villa.
The Premier League outfit have since confirmed that the Albania international will miss the rest of the season, leaving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz as their two primary options in attack.
Having netted just 17 times in 14 top-flight fixtures, contributing to the club sitting eight points adrift of the top four, Graham Potter and his recruitment team were expected to contemplate their options ahead of the start of 2023.
However, it appears that the West Londoners have instead taken their competition by surprise by moving for a player who has been plying his trade in Norway.
© Reuters
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are expected to sign Fofana as an alternative to Broja.
Romano says that Chelsea have already reached a full agreement with Molde, the fee said to be in excess of €10m (£8.63m).
While personal terms have allegedly not been finalised, there is every expectation that Fofana will move to Stamford Bridge for the start of January.
Chelsea have reportedly stolen a march on many other European clubs with the Ivory Coast international having established himself as a key man for his Norwegian club.
More on exclusive news: David Datro Fofana would sign for Chelsea in January, fee will be in excess of €10m waiting to complete documents. Plan remains to have Nkunku in June. 🚨🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 15, 2022
Fofana has 21 goals & 7 assists this year. Many clubs wanted him, Chelsea were faster. pic.twitter.com/jkqLQ9HFdc
Since linking up with Molde in February 2021, the 19-year-old has contributed 24 goals and 10 assists from 65 appearances in all competitions.
Two strikes were netted during the group stages of this season's Europa Conference League, but his best form has come in domestic action with 15 goals and five assists coming in 24 top-flight outings during 2022.
Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City have all been linked with a move for Fofana in the past, with Brighton being credited with the most interest in recent weeks.
Nevertheless, it now seems that Chelsea will win the race for the versatile attacker, who may come into contention for games with Nottingham Forest and the double-header with Manchester City during the opening eight days of 2023.
Darren Plant
