Everton will reportedly look to sign 21-year-old Ivory Coast international David Datro Fofana from Chelsea this summer, with the West London club open to sanctioning a loan exit.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, David Datro Fofana is the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees are keen on signing a striker before the summer transfer window shuts down amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Neal Maupay and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. So, the Chelsea attacking prospect has emerged as a target, with Everton holding talks to sign him.
David Datro Fofana and his Chelsea woes
David Datro Fofana has struggled to stamp his authority since joining Chelsea from Molde in January 2023. A native of Ouragahio, he spent his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the youth division at Abidjan City FC.
However, the youngster’s stock rose during his spell with Molde FK before Chelsea came calling in January 2023. The 21-year-old has managed only four appearances thus far for the West London club, while his loan spells with Union Berlin and Burnley yielded mixed results in the 2023/24 season.
Meanwhile, David Datro Fofana’s stock in the market remains high, with several well-known clubs setting their sights on him over a potential deal. Chelsea will be open to sanctioning a dry loan deal for the Ivory Coast international, with any agreement unlikely to have a purchase option or obligation. The young striker has emerged as a target for Everton, with other Premier League outfits also keen.
Where next?
Everton’s interest in David Datro Fofana is understandable. The Toffees are keen on signing a striker in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Neal Maupay and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. While the former might join Marseille this week, the latter has entered the final 12 months of his contract with Everton.
So, Everton must sign a striker this summer, with Fofana emerging as a viable target. The Toffees have held initial talks with Chelsea regarding a late move for the 21-year-old striker prospect.
However, they will not have a purchase option or obligation in an agreement with Chelsea. The report has suggested that the Blues still rate the Ivory Coast international highly, meaning they will only sanction a dry loan for the youngster.
