With speculation rife that Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho could soon head to Stamford Bridge, one of Manchester City’s newest recruits has talked up another Chelsea target
Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki thinks highly of Chelsea target and former Lyon team-mate Malick Fofana. The Blues have been linked with a host of wingers this window, including Manchester United’s wantaway Alejandro Garnacho.
Enzo Maresca’s side are on the hunt for a wide player this summer, after Jadon Sancho returned to Old Trafford upon the expiration of his loan, with no permanent deal sealed. In January, rumours swirled that Red Devils star Garnacho could be on his way to west London, and while his agents were even spotted at Stamford Bridge amid alleged talks, the 20-year-old stayed put.
With the transfer window back open, hints have been dropped that Garnacho will seek pastures new, with his personal photographer even suggesting via social media that he has played for United for the ‘last time.’
However, a move to Chelsea could rely on the Blues not pursuing other targets, and Lyon’s Fofana is now reportedly on their radar and has been given a glowing review by former team-mate and new City signing Cherki.
Fofana arrived in Ligue 1 from Gent last year. At just 20, he recorded 11 goals and six assists this campaign, proving particularly prolific in the Europa League, in which he found the back of the net six times.
The Belgian talent has attracted attention from not just the Blues, but Liverpool, United and Nottingham Forest, according to L’Equipe, though the City Ground is supposedly not his desired destination. He is valued at £42.5million.
In 2024, when Fofana was being fleetingly integrated into Lyon’s first team, Cherki, who completed a £30m transfer to the Etihad this summer, spoke highly of his peer.
“Malick Fofana? I like everything about him,” admitted Cherki. “He’s good, kind, not very handsome (laughs), but who cares. He brings us his explosiveness.
“We tell him to go into spaces because we can give him the ball and he can hurt [opponents]. He has integrated well and is not afraid of much.”
Fofana has caught the eye of those around him plenty of times in the past. When he was starring for Gent in his native Belgium, the club’s under-21 coach, Emilio Ferrera, described him as the best talent he’d ever seen.
“When I started as a coach of the youth team at Gent, I quickly knew that Malick was the greatest talent I ever trained,” Ferrera admitted. “He can explode a match on his own.”
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have made initial contact with Lyon over signing Fofana, and plenty of names on their wishlist could also be pursued with vigour this summer, Garnacho perhaps included.
Borussia Dortmund wide player Jamie Gittens was subject to a rejected £42m offer earlier this month, with the German club seeking £50m for his services.
Chelsea hoped to sign the English winger before Maresca’s side jetted off for the Club World Cup, and while no deal was completed, a revised approach is not out of the question.
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