Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana is set to depart on loan to the Championship before today’s deadline. However, clubs are direct competition for the forward’s signature.
Joining from Molde in January 2023, his gametime in Chelsea blue has been limited. Seeing loan moves to Burnley, Union Berlin, and Göztepe over the years.
Forward departures at Stamford Bridge were made difficult last weekend. After Liam Delap’s recent injury, Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich faltered.
Chelsea Forward to Depart On Loan
According to reports from Pete O’Rourke, Preston North End and Charlton Athletic are in competition for the Ivory Coast international.
The interest is only as far as an enquiry at this stage, but could very much accelerate as we approach the 7 pm deadline.
Chelsea’s stance on the forward is unclear; however, it is likely the forward will depart on loan today. Fofana is yet to make an appearance in the matchday squad this season, and is fourth choice at best for Enzo Maresca.
With the forward unlikely to be in the former Leicester City manager’s plans, a loan move to the Championship would be beneficial for all parties.
Fofana has a pedigree in many of Europe’s top flights. Also, he recently had a positive loan spell in the Premier League for Burnley.
Only making four appearances since joining Chelsea, the forward will need to seek minutes elsewhere.
Any club to secure his services for the season would be making a huge statement to the division.
Championship Clubs Race for Fofana
Charlton Athletic have been particularly goal-shy in their return to the Championship. Excellent defensive displays saw the club lift promotion from League One last season, which has remained in the opening four games, where the Addicks have kept two clean sheets.
However, Nathan Jones’ side have only found the net on two occasions.
This comes after Charlton have invested heavily throughout the summer. Signings such as Charlie Kelman, Isaac Olaofe, and Rob Apter are, however, relatively unproven at this level.
Chelsea’s Fofana could emerge as an exciting option to add to their frontline. Due to his pedigree above the level, his goals could be perfectly complementary to Charlton’s defensive solidarity.
Additionally, Preston North End could be a good fit for the striker. Paul Heckingbottom’s Whites have surprised in the early stages of the campaign, with a statement win over title favourites Ipswich Town.
Milutin Osmajic has made an excellent start to the campaign, and Michael Smith is experienced at this level.
However, Fofana could add an injection of energy to the Preston front two and be complementary to any of their current forward options.
A goal-scorer is hard to come by for Championship clubs. However, any potential availability for Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana could be difficult for a second-tier club to turn down.
Chelsea’s Forward Situation
As previously mentioned, Delap’s injury has thrown a cog into the works at Stamford Bridge.
Now nearly finding themselves short of striker options for the season, the club are now inclined to keep Jackson at the club.
However, reports have stated Chelsea are in talks to recall Marc Guiu from Sunderland, while Omari Kellyman is set to join League One side Cardiff City on loan
With the club aspiring to challenge for the Premier League title, it will be interesting to see how Chelsea’s deadline day business plays out today.