Chelsea and AEK Athens have reportedly sealed an agreement over a loan-to-buy deal worth £20 million for 21-year-old Ivorian striker David Datro Fofana.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, David Datro Fofana has been the subject of interest from AEK Athens in the last few days. The 21-year-old has been looking for an escape route from Chelsea after Enzo Maresca banished him from the first-team picture. The youngster is on the verge of joining AEK Athens on a loan-to-buy deal with a purchase option worth £20 million.
David Datro Fofana and his struggles in Chelsea
David Datro Fofana has been one of several Chelsea players to fall victim to the West London club’s bizarre hoarding policy. A native of Ouragahio, the Ivorian spent his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the youth division at Abidjan City FC.
However, the 21-year-old has endured a nightmare of a spell with Chelsea since arriving from Molde FK in January 2023. Fofana has managed only 113 minutes of game time across four appearances in all competitions thus far for Chelsea while enduring hit-and-miss loan spells with Union Berlin and Burnley last season.
Things went from bad to worse for the Ivory Coast international after Enzo Maresca arrived as the new manager a few months ago. With Fofana not in the Italian tactician’s plans, Chelsea put him up for sale, although a move has not materialised yet. However, that will change soon, with AEK Athens on the verge of securing his services in an initial loan deal.
Greek move beckons
AEK Athens joined the race to secure the services of David Datro Fofana a few days ago. The Greek giants have been keen on signing a striker before Wednesday’s summer transfer deadline, with the Chelsea outcast emerging as a target. However, talks have not progressed smoothly, with the latest update suggesting that the negotiations had stalled.
However, the talks have seemingly resumed and ended, with Chelsea and AEK Athens sealing an agreement over a loan-to-buy deal, which includes a purchase option worth £20 million.
So, Chelsea can potentially double the investment in Fofana if the purchase option of £20 million comes into effect. That is handy business by the West London club, considering the 21-year-old Ivory Coast international barely played for them. Meanwhile, he will hope to resurrect his stuttering career in Greece.
