CHELSEA have confirmed the signing of David Datro Fofana from Molde in a £10.5million deal.
The Blues have been eager to strengthen their forward line, particularly after the devastating, season-ending injury suffered by Armando Broja.
Confirming their latest signing, an official club statement read: “Chelsea FC has reached a pre-agreement with Molde FK for the transfer of David Datro Fofana.
“The 20-year-old striker will join the Blues on 1 January 2023. We look forward to welcoming David to the club!”
Chelsea’s latest transfer takes their total spend since Todd Boehly’s arrival as owner well above the £250million mark.
The 20-year-old follows the likes of namesake Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Carney Chukwuemeka in joining the Boehly revolution.
And he is Chelsea’s first signing since the sacking of Thomas Tuchel and appointment of Graham Potter.
Fofana has been enjoying a prolific season in Norway, scoring 17 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions.
He joined Molde from Ivorian academy AFAD in February 2021, quickly becoming a star man for his new club.
Fofana scored 24 goals and assisted a further 10 in 65 total outings for the Norwegian top flight outfit.
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Molde have a rich pedigree of producing world class strikers, having previously boasted both Erling Haaland and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer among their ranks.
Fofana primarily plays up front, but has filled in on the right wing on occasion.
Despite his youth, he has already earned two senior caps for Ivory Coast.
Chelsea have a rich pedigree of Ivorian stars, with Didier Drogba arguably their greatest ever forward.
They also had Salomon Kalou on their books for six years, with both he and Drogba helping the Blues to their first ever Champions League success.
Fofana already has some continental experience himself, having played regularly in the Europa Conference League for Molde.
