Exclusive: Charlton Athletic and Preston make moves to sign Chelsea striker
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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Mon 1 September 2025 8:51, UK
Preston North End and Charlton Athletic have made enquiries about signing Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana on loan, sources have told Football Insider.
Fofana, 22, is not part of Enzo Maresca‘s long-term plans at Stamford Bridge and has been widely expected to leave the club this summer.
The two Championship outfits have moved to get ahead of rivals in their pursuit of his signature, having made contact with Chelsea about a deal.
However, sources say there is loan and permanent interest from at least two other second-tier clubs and European sides if the Blues green-light his departure.
Fofana has four years remaining on his Chelsea contract, placing them in a strong position to negotiate over his future when it comes to a possible permanent fee.
As a result, Preston and Charlton are exploring the possibility of loan deals, with the striker having spent previous spells at Union Berlin, Goztepe and Burnley.
Credit: Imago
Since his £10million move to Chelsea from Molde in 2023, the striker has made four senior appearances for the Blues, racking up just 113 minutes of football.
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Most of his time under contract at Stamford Bridge has been spent away on loan, with his most successful spell at Burnley where he scored four goals in 15 appearances.
While his Premier League record is far from outstanding, a number of Championship clubs feel he would be an important player if he dropped down to the second tier.
Charlton have already added Charlie Kelman and Tanto Olaofe to their attacking ranks, but are keen to strengthen further following last season’s promotion.
Preston, meanwhile, aim to provide competition for their forwards after scoring four in their opening four league games so far this season.
Fofana is not the only player who could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge this summer, as they continue with plans to shift a number of fringe players.
Football Insider revealed on 23 August that Chelsea are struggling to sell Raheem Sterling as clubs have been put off by his “huge” wage packet.
(Credit Imago)
Sterling is earning around £300,000 per week at Chelsea, putting off any potential suitors who would be unable to match his lofty demands.
However, Football Insider revealed on 25 August that West Ham could sign Sterling on loan should the possibility become available in the window’s closing stages.
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