Chelsea target Wesley Fofana has dealt a blow to the Blues' hopes of signing him as he dropped a hint on his future at Leicester.
Fofana has emerged as one of Thomas Tuchel's top targets as he attempts to rebuild his defence. The German saw both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger depart Stamford Bridge at the end of last season, with Kalidou Koulibaly being signed from Napoli.
He is now looking to boost his backline options further by bringing in Fofana, who is seen as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League. The Frenchman only signed a new long-term contract with the Foxes in March, but did then recently remove any trace of the club from his social media profiles.
That came amid speculation that Chelsea were lining up a big-money move for the centre-back. Leicester are understood to have insisted they will not be selling the 21-year-old, with Chelsea preparing a bid of up to £80million.
And the Blues have now been hit by a further blow after Fofana hinted he sees his immediate future as being at the King Power Stadium. As he insisted his focus is on making the France squad for the World Cup, Fofana described Leicester as being like a "family".
“I’d be lying if I said the World Cup wasn’t on my mind, because it’s a big objective for me. I’m French and of course I want to represent my national team. I realise the coach has his own ideas and a team already in place but I really want to be there. Every player has to work hard - if they are a little lazy for their club, they will be left out," he told The Telegraph.
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"I consider myself very fortunate. I’ve played more games here in England than I ever did for St-Etienne. Now I’ve made this journey I want to enjoy every minute. Many others have not been so lucky to be in my position.
“Leicester is a family and I have felt that from the first day. I have always felt like a native of Leicester. It’s a big club and an institution but everyone has time for each other and understands. We are all brothers, sisters and cousins.
“It’s a big season for me and for Leicester. Here are already some great strikers in the Premier League and even more for this season after the transfer window. That excites me and I’m ready for them. I’m prepared.”
Fofana will likely start for Leicester on Sunday when they host Brentford in their opening game of the Premier League season. It has been a difficult summer for Brendan Rodgers' men, though Fofana's hint that he will stay is a big boost.
Chelsea meanwhile started with a back three of Koulibaly, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta for their opening day win over Everton. But Tuchel remains keen to boost his options in his defence.
