Gary Lineker has named Wesley Fofana as the "most prodigiously talented young central defender in the world". It comes after Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign the 21-year-old from Lineker's former club Leicester City for what could be a world record fee for a defender.
Chelsea had been in talks with the Foxes over a move for Fofana throughout the past month and have seen three previous offers rejected for the France Under-21s international. The defender has been left out of Leicester's last two matches, and is set to miss the clash at Stamford Bridge as well after being told to train with the Under-21s team as he missed a first-team training session ahead of a move.
And football.london understands Chelsea had gone in with a fourth bid worth a guaranteed £70million and further add-ons. This would take the transfer above the £80million that Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019.
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Lineker, who played and remains a fan of his hometown club, Leicester, has today heaped praise on Fofana in a tweet that will excite Chelsea fans.
"Gutted to lose him but wish Wesley Fofana well. Every player wants to play Champions League football so it’s understandable," Lineker tweeted.
"Chelsea fans, you’ve got the most prodigiously talented young central defender in the world. Yes, I believe he’s that good."
Chelsea are yet to announce the transfer, and have until Thursday to complete the deal before the transfer window closes. Elsewhere, the Blues have been linked with moves for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and young talent Arsen Zakharyan from Dinamo Moscow, with a deal said to be close for the Russian wonderkid.
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