Chelsea and AEK Athens are reportedly stepping up their efforts to negotiate a deal for David Datro Fofana. The 21-year-old striker from Ivory Coast has not managed to secure a spot in Chelsea’s plans, and now both clubs are working on a late transfer move before the window shuts.

Fofana arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2023 after a €10 million transfer from Molde FK. The move initially raised hopes that he could become one of Chelsea’s young stars, but things have not panned out that way. Chelsea’s constant inflow of new signings under their current ownership, driven by Clearlake Capital, has made it hard for many players to break through into the first team. Fofana is one of those who has been left behind, overshadowed by the numerous players vying for a place in the squad.

Chelsea step up talks with 21-year-old Ivorian striker

The young striker has found himself on the fringes at Chelsea, with little opportunity to showcase his talent. Despite coming from a successful stint in Norway, where he was a standout player, the Premier League has been a different story for him. The intense competition within Chelsea’s bloated squad has made it nearly impossible for Fofana to cement a regular role. He has been unable to make any meaningful impact, and as a result, the club now looks set to offload him.

For AEK Athens, the prospect of signing Fofana presents an opportunity to boost their attack. The Greek side has been active in the market as they prepare for the challenges ahead, both domestically and in European competition. Fofana could add much-needed firepower to their ranks, and AEK believes the Ivorian striker has the potential to thrive outside of the competitive pressures at Chelsea.

AEK Athens might provide the fresh start Fofana needs, a place where he can find his feet again and be given regular game time. The move would not only benefit the player but also help Chelsea to offload a player who doesn’t fit into their long-term plans. For Fofana, this could be the perfect chance to revive his career after a frustrating spell in London.

Opinion

There is a sense of urgency to get this deal over the line, with the transfer deadline looming. AEK Athens will be keen to finalize negotiations quickly, knowing that Fofana’s addition could significantly improve their attacking options. For Chelsea, moving the Ivorian striker on would clear space in their crowded squad and perhaps serve as a cautionary tale of their transfer approach.

In my opinion, this move makes sense for both parties. Chelsea, with their massive squad, cannot afford to keep players who don’t have a future at the club, and Fofana falls into that category. For AEK, they are getting a young player with potential who just needs the right environment to flourish. The real question is whether Fofana can rediscover his form in Greece after a tough stint in England. If given time and support, there’s no reason why he couldn’t bounce back and prove himself on the European stage.