Chelsea lead race to sign youngster watched by multiple Premier League clubs

Chelsea have stormed ahead of fellow Premier League side Brighton in the race to sign Ivorian youngster David Datro Fofana, 90min understands.

The 19-year-old is among the highest-rated emerging forwards currently plying their trade in Europe thanks to his goalscoring form at Molde. Fofana scored an impressive 15 league goals for the Norwegian club in 2022 as his side won their fifth ever Eliteserien title.

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His form has led to a number of Premier League clubs harbouring an interest in Fofana's services. 90min understands that Brighton, Brentford and Leicester City were among those keeping an eye on the player in recent months, but now Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners for his signature.

Brighton had previously thought they were close to securing a deal, but Chelsea are now in talks.

90min can report that key to Chelsea stepping up their interest in Fofana has been Kyle Macaulay. The recruitment analyst, who followed Graham Potter to London following his appointment at Stamford Bridge, identified Fofana as a target at Brighton and has brought that interest with him.

Fofana isn't the only rising talent Chelsea are interested in signing at the moment. The Blues are also leading the race to sign Croatia World Cup star Josko Gvardiol, currently at RB Leipzig, and are hopeful of finalising a deal in the near future.