Celtic have reportedly made an approach to loan Chelsea attacker David Datro Fofana on deadline day.
Celtic have made an approach to Chelsea to take striker David Datro Fofana on loan, as the Scottish champions intensify their search for reinforcements before tonight’s summer transfer deadline.
The Hoops are eager to add two forwards before the 11 pm deadline in Scotland, with manager Brendan Rodgers determined to bolster his attack for the domestic campaign and their upcoming European fixtures.
Kasper Dolberg had emerged as the club’s top target, but with Ajax making significant progress in hijacking that deal, Celtic have now turned their focus to Fofana. Time is tight, but cccording to Sky Sports, Celtic are understood to be exploring all possible avenues to ensure fresh firepower arrives at Parkhead.
David Datro Fofana’s Chelsea Struggles
Since signing for Chelsea in January 2023 from Norwegian side Molde for around £10 million, Fofana has found first-team opportunities extremely limited. Across two seasons, he has featured just four times in all competitions for the Blues, totalling 113 minutes of action.
The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international has spent the majority of his Chelsea career out on loan, with varying degrees of success. His most productive spell came at Burnley, where he scored four goals in 15 Premier League appearances, showing glimpses of his potential as a lively forward with good movement in the box.
Despite those flashes, Fofana is not part of Enzo Maresca’s long-term plans at Stamford Bridge. With four years left on his contract, Chelsea remain in a strong position to dictate terms for any temporary or permanent exit.
Why Celtic want him
For Celtic, David Datro Fofana represents both a short-term solution and a longer-term project. His pace and physicality could give Brendan Rodgers’s side a different dimension in attack, while regular minutes in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions could aid his development.
With the Scottish Premiership champions aiming to defend their domestic crown and make progress in Europe, the pressure is on to ensure that attacking depth is not left exposed after a quiet summer window.
Talks are ongoing, and while the race against time makes negotiations tricky, Celtic’s need for reinforcements may work in their favour. Chelsea are open to finding a solution for Fofana, whether that be a loan with an option to buy or simply a season-long loan to help the striker rediscover his form.
If the deal goes through, Celtic fans could soon see a promising young talent in green and white, eager to reignite his career and prove himself as a consistent goalscorer.
