Chelsea are actively searching for new talent out wide and have opened discussions with Lyon over Belgium international Malick Fofana. The 20-year-old winger impressed during his debut season in Ligue 1 after arriving from Gent in a £17 million deal and is now attracting strong interest from the Premier League.
After declining the opportunity to sign Jadon Sancho permanently, Chelsea shifted focus toward other wide options. The club had initially considered keeping Sancho following his loan from Manchester United but decided against a £25 million investment. Instead, they paid a £5 million fee to cut the loan short, sending him back to Old Trafford.
Malick Fofana’s stock has risen quickly. He featured in Lyon’s intense Europa League quarter-final battle with Manchester United and made his debut for Belgium last year. Though under contract until 2028, Lyon may be open to selling him this summer, especially with Premier League clubs circling.
Enzo Maresca, currently leading Chelsea through the Club World Cup in the United States, confirmed his intention to add a winger. The squad is light in that department with only Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, and young Ty George as natural wide players. Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk remain available for transfer, further fueling the need for new recruits.
Chelsea previously made two offers for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens but were rejected both times, pushing them to explore alternatives like Fofana. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have also shown interest in the young Belgian, who turned 20 in March.
With Rayan Cherki already departing Lyon for Manchester City in a £30 million move, Fofana could be the next big name to leave the French club. Chelsea are pressing ahead to finalize their summer business, especially in wide areas where reinforcements are now a top priority.