Chelsea have abandoned their pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol after the German club turned down a swap deal involving Timo Werner. The Blues had offered to send Werner back to his former club on loan in exchange for the highly-rated Croatia international, but Leipzig refused to part with their prized asset.
As a result, Chelsea have identified Leicester City's Wesley Fofana as their new priority target, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 21-year-old French defender has been a long-term target for Thomas Tuchel's side, who are in the market for at least one additional centre-back following the arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly.
Fofana missed much of last season with a serious ankle injury but has returned to fitness and featured in Leicester's pre-season friendlies. He signed a new long-term contract with the Foxes in March, putting Leicester in a strong negotiating position. Reports suggest a fee in the region of £70 million would be required to prise him away from the King Power Stadium.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has heaped praise on Fofana, comparing him to defensive greats Virgil van Dijk and Rio Ferdinand. "He attacks the ball, is a great header of the ball," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "Fofana is one of those when you see a Rio Ferdinand coming through, a Virgil van Dijk, he is in that quality."
Chelsea previously missed out on Sevilla's Jules Kounde, who joined Barcelona this summer, and are eager to strengthen their defence before the transfer window closes. Whether they will meet Leicester's asking price for Fofana remains to be seen.
