EPL: Chelsea target Fofana hints at Leicester stay this summer

Wesley Fofana has hinted that he will stay at Leicester City this summer despite strong interest from Chelsea.

Leicester have rejected a new offer from Chelsea for centre-back Fofana despite the Blues offering a fee in excess of £70m, according to reports.

It was the second approach Chelsea have made with the opening bid of £63m also turned down, but the Blues remain determined to bring him to Stamford Bridge and are prepared to ‘try again’ with a third offer.

It was previously thought that Leicester would be willing to accept a bid in the region of £70m, but they are desperate to keep hold of their young defender and will now await a third approach.

Fofana deleted traces of Leicester from his social media profiles this week and is thought to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

However, in a new interview, the Frenchman suggested that he may be staying at Leicester for the 2022-23 season.

‘Leicester is a family and I have felt that from the first day,’ he told The Telegraph.

‘I have always felt like a native of Leicester. It’s a big club and an institution but everyone has time for each other and understands.

‘We are all brothers, sisters and cousins. It’s a big season for me and for Leicester.

‘There are already some great strikers in the Premier League and even more for this season after the transfer window.

‘That excites me and I’m ready for them. I’m prepared.’

Chelsea have had two bids rejected for Wesley Fofana (Picture: Getty)

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Fofana joined Leicester in 2020 from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne for a £36.5m fee and has played 50 games for the Foxes across all competitions, helping them win the 2020-21 FA Cup and signing a long-term contract in March until 2027.

Leicester have already lost goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel to French side Nice this summer while James Maddison, Jamie Vardy and Youri Tielemans have all been linked with moves away.

Leicester are the only Premier League club who have not completed a signing this summer despite boss Brendan Rodgers calling for a ‘healthy shake up’ of his squad in February.

Their season gets started on Sunday when they host Brentford at the King Power Stadium.