Liverpool are eyeing Malick Fofana as Federico Chiesa nears a move to Serie A, but Chelsea could rival their bid for the Lyon star.
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Chiesa nearing an exit from LiverpoolFofana earmarked as replacementChelsea also in contact with Lyon for wingerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Chiesa looks set to leave Liverpool this summer, with a number of Italian sides, including Napoli, Roma, Inter, AC Milan and Atalanta, all keen to bring the winger back to his homeland. The Reds are reportedly open to letting him go for around €15 million (£13m/$17m), the same fee they paid Juventus a year ago. His departure would clear the way for a fresh signing in attack, and the Premier League champions already have a player in mind.
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Liverpool have identified Lyon winger Fofana as a potential long-term replacement for Chiesa. The 20-year-old, who impressed in Ligue 1 with five goals and four assists last season, is valued at €50m (£43m/$58m) – though Lyon hope Chelsea’s interest can spark a bidding war and drive the price closer to €70m (£60m/$80m), per . The Reds’ move for Fofana is expected to accelerate only once Chiesa’s exit is confirmed.
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Chelsea have also made a verbal enquiry about Fofana, with manager Enzo Maresca keen to add right-footed wingers to the squad following Jadon Sancho's return to Manchester United. The Blues are searching for natural wide options and have also been linked with Jamie Gittens.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR FOFANA?
Liverpool are expected to finalise Chiesa’s exit in the coming weeks, which will be the trigger for a formal move for Fofana. However, they may need to act fast, with Chelsea pushing hard to bolster their flanks and potentially willing to pay more. Lyon are waiting to see if a bidding war develops, meaning the Reds might need to raise their offer or risk losing out on their target.
