Chelsea make contact to sign Lyon sensation Malick Fofana

Chelsea have reportedly made initial contact to sign Lyon‘s sensational winger Malick Fofana in the summer, according to Sky Sports.

The 20-year-old is now considered an option for the Blues at the left wing, following the departure of Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho, after the club decided against signing the English winger permanently after his loan spell.

The Belgium international has a contract with the French giants until 2028, but could likely be allowed to move this summer for the right price.

Per the reports, nothing has been advanced yet between the two clubs, but the Conference League champions have kept the discussions going.

The 1.69-meter-tall left-footed winger bagged 11 goals and recorded 6 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions for Lyon in his debut season.

Chelsea are targeting right-footed wide players for the flanks, and have considered Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as their priority target as a winger.

Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Fenerbahce SK and Olympique Lyonnais on January 23, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Dortmund have reportedly since turned down two official bids for Gittens – first a €35 million bid, and later a €50 million bid, both rejected by the German club. Meanwhile, the Premier League club have struck an agreement with the player’s side.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed concerns about his limited attacking options ahead of the Club World Cup fixture against Los Angeles FC. Particularly throwing more light on the left side of his attack.

The Conference League champions have only Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, and Pedro Neto on the flank for the tournament in the United States after allowing Sancho to leave.

Meanwhile, Fofana particularly caught the eye in the Europa League, starring against top-level opposition, including Manchester United. A performance that has attracted the interest of Chelsea to enquire about him.

Fofona was signed from Gent in a €19.5 million deal, but is likely to be sold for profit should Chelsea present a significant bid that will be hard to turn down – Lyon hold all the cards at the moment.