New Chelsea target has already revealed transfer stance as Enzo Maresca finds Jadon Sancho heir

Malick Fofana has already admitted that he’s flattered by interest from the Premier League. The Olympique Lyonnais winger has recently emerged as a target for Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca eager to sign a new winger in the summer transfer window.

Fofana, whose contract at the Groupama Stadium expires in June 2028, featured 29 times in Ligue 1 this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists. Playing a key role in Paulo Fonseca’s side, he helped the French giants finish sixth.

The 20-year-old also fired Lyon to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, netting six and setting up two in eight games. Fofana’s impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed, attracting interest from some top clubs.

football.london understands that Chelsea are interested in signing the Belgium international, who is one of several left wingers on Maresca’s radar. The Blues have initiated contact with Lyon to explore the possibility of a transfer.

However, football.london understands that Jamie Gittens remains their primary target. Chelsea had a £42m bid rejected by Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, but they’re still keen to sign the for the 20-year-old.

Shortly after signing with a new agency, Fofana was quizzed on his future at Lyon and interest from the Premier League. Speaking to Football Insider, the Belgian said: “Honestly, I hear about it.

“But it doesn’t affect me so I just focus on myself, and I know when I do great that the rest will come. I watch a lot of the Premier League, I know there is a lot of big clubs so, for the moment, I just want to make that return on the pitch.”

Fofana added: “In my head I said to myself, ‘This season I have to show myself to the world’. I know I am capable of that. I know my talents.

“I know what I can do, so it was just a matter of time. I know people will always talk. I stay calm, I have a great mentality so I know it will come.”

Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup, Maresca claimed that he wants to sign a new winger following Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United.

As quoted by the BBC, the Blues boss said: “Jadon is not with us. So, for sure, that is a position that probably we need to do something.

“Also, because Misha [Mudryk] is not with us. At this moment, we have Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto] and Ty [George] as proper wingers. So, for sure, something is going to happen.”

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