Leicester must retain Wesley Fofana at almost any cost

Chelsea’s interest in Leicester City centre-back has taken over the rumor mill. It’s time we tell the tale of why we can’t even comprehend losing a starter.

Even after missing several crucial months due to injury, the importance of Wesley Fofana at Leicester cannot be overstated enough. Those who have seen the centre-back play can vouch that he is a player who matured well beyond his years.

Ignazio Genuardi reported that Chelsea has reached an agreement with the player but can’t get the talks to progress further as they won’t want to be in a relegation battle in 2022/23. LCFC are also not interested in selling him.

Chelsea’s requirement is urgent

Chelsea needs to reinforce their backline immediately if they are to compete for the top four spots. The combined departures of Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen to La Liga sides have left the Pensioners vulnerable.

Thomas Tuchel’s precious time got wasted over the talks with potential replacements as a large share of their shortlisted targets were later snatched by Barcelona. In desperation, the London-based side has identified Wesley Fofana as an ideal target after failed attempts to recruit Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde finally concluded. Please select the below link to proceed with the article on Foxes of Leicester’s website.

Though for Leicester, there is no rush. Their young centre-back signed a long extension on March 7th of this year to extend his stay at the King Power club till 2027. That contract provides the East Midlands side a good bargaining power. It is understandable why Leicester City would deny any lowball offers for their acquired asset.

Leicester City’s season depends on retaining talents like Wesley Fofana

Leicester City has suffered the effects of raising their expectations by promising a refresh. Now, without one, the outfit cannot afford to lose the prominent players of its squad. The risk of dropping further down looms if they put in any wrong step.

Wesley Fofana is the only player from the Foxes’ camp who has kept his record clean when it comes to making individual errors leading to an oppositional goal. In his 50 matches, he has been the foremost dependable defender compared to an inconsistent Leicester backline. With Kasper Schmeichel leaving, the impending responsibility for the backline to perform becomes a necessity.

Fofana’s estimated current market value stands at £36m, but that valuation is ambiguous as the club purchased him for £31.50m only recently. An additional extension gives Leicester all the negotiation power they require. Frankly, any figure below £80m would not be enough even to start a proper conversation.

Speculative arguments for argument’s sake!

Many Chelsea supporters are expecting to land Fofana in regardless. Much of that belief is due to their established success since the turn of the century. A few fans have dug deep to cite what the 21-year-old French defender said earlier last year.

"“A club that induces dreaming? Marseille, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are available. Chelsea, [Manchester] United, [Manchester] City, and other teams in the Premier League… But achieving your goals requires effort. Work hard and you can accomplish anything.” -Fofana told Actufoot."

No matter how much their centre-back is fond of the Blues, if he wanted to keep his options open- he should’ve signed a shorter extension. The under-21 France international remains focused on earning a place in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad.

So what’s next?

Fofana looks happy, motivated, and settled in here. He has an intricate role to play for the Foxes in the upcoming calendar. His continued performance here gives him more chances to develop and unlock his true potential than to be a liability being a third-choice centre-back elsewhere.

Chelsea must recollect their wits after being humiliated by the Spanish giants several times this season. The season starts a week from now, and it is urgent for their new ownership under Todd Boehly to make some statements.

While Kalidou Koulibaly was a smart move, they still need one additional top-quality player, with Thiago Silva being a risky option due to his age. Looking elsewhere, they need to stop wasting their time and pursue after players like Presnel Kimpembe or Nathan Aké.