Chelsea are closing in on the signing of teenage striker David Datro Fofana from Eliteserien club Molde FK, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Talks are still ongoing for personal terms, but the Ivorian will reportedly join the Premier League club for around €10 million.
Fofana is part of the youthful revolution the club’s new owners are striving to implement..He falls into the category of young and talented players the club wants to sign for the future.
Technical director Paul Winstanley has been heavily involved in the move. Brighton & Hove Albion were close to signing Fofana last month. Winstanley previously headed their transfer operations.
Fofana has scored 15 goals and created eight big chances in 24 league appearances this season. In the Europa Conference League, the 19-year-old has netted two goals in four appearances.
The Ivory Coast international has one year left on his contract with Molde and now looks set to join Chelsea after a breakout season in Norway.
With Armando Broja ruled out for the rest of the season, the Blues have been searching for reinforcements.
They were offered Atletico Madrid duo Matheus Cunha and Joao Felix, while Barcelona’s Memphis Depay was another option. There were also rumours linking Cristiano Ronaldo to the club.
However, Fofana’s signing will end those links even though it is unclear if he will link up with 3the club in January or be loaned out.
Fofana came through at Molde, the same club where Erling Braut Haaland developed. Chelsea will be hoping that Fofana progress as rapidly as the Norwegian striker.
Chelsea fans will be excited by the arrival of the highly-touted prospect. One of Chelsea’s greatest players, Ivorian striker Didier Drogba, arrived as a little-known option.
They will hope the youngster can emulate his achievements with the club.