Chelsea send Wesley Fofana transfer hint as deal sanctioned for defender

Chelsea's world-record pursuit of Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana could be set to take a step closer after the Blues dropped a fresh hint in their bid to land the Frenchman.

The 21-year-old centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the past week. Thomas Tuchel is looking to add reinforcements to his backline after seeing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen depart.

Fofana signed a new contract at City in March, committing his future until 2027. However, that hasn't stopped Chelsea from attempting to make a move for the defender. The Blues are "expected" to submit a new offer for Fofana, but the Foxes have insisted he's not for sale "until an exceptional offer comes in".

With just over 20 days remaining until the transfer window shuts, the west Londoners have dropped a potential huge hint in their attempts to sign Fofana. According to The Athletic, Wales international Ethan Ampadu is set to be sent out on another season-long loan deal.

It's believed that the defender, who impressed in Serie A with Venezia last season, is wanted by teams in England, Italy, Germany and Spain. Ampadu featured for the Blues during pre-season and received praise from supporters and Tuchel, but was not part of the squad that won 1-0 at Everton last weekend.

Ampadu's exit for the season could pave the way for Fofana to land his move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have been busy throughout the transfer window, with Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina all signed.