Chelsea have potentially identified Jadon Sancho’s ideal replacement. It is claimed that the Blues have made an initial verbal enquiry for Lyon prospect Malick Fofana, whose productivity caught the eye last season.

Sancho abruptly returned to Manchester United last month. Chelsea were unable to agree a deal to make his loan permanent. Having struggled with inconsistency during his year in West London, Sancho’s future now seems unclear and he will be replaced by a new signing at Stamford Bridge. Reports claim that Chelsea are keen to sign Fofana from Lyon in a move that could prove to be a potential bargain.

Lyon need funds amid some financial uncertainty, which could strengthen Chelsea’s negotiating position. According to The Athletic, initial verbal enquiries have been made about Fofana.

A tricky winger who is rapidly developing his composure in the final third, the 20-year-old caught the eye of several Premier League clubs last season. He scored 11 goals and provided six assists in a breakthrough campaign in France, which included scoring six times in the Europa League.

Producing similar figures at Chelsea could be important. Enzo Maresca’s side struggled for goals in 2024-25 and it remains to be seen whether new striker Liam Delap can start with a bang. If Chelsea are to compete for the biggest prizes next season, the goal-scoring burden must be shared around next season, and not left to Cole Palmer. Fofana’s potential arrival may help.

Despite some frustrating performances, Sancho still scored five goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions. His thumping strike in Chelsea’s victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final last month was evidence that the 25-year-old might have had a big impact under Maresca next season as a permanent signing, playing in a more stable environment.

Fofana shares a similar profile to Sancho. His ability to run with the ball makes him suited to Maresca’s style. Sancho, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke were given the freedom to dribble last season, often helping them create chances for the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer.

Chelsea are reported to be considering several options alongside Fofana. Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens are alternatives as right-footed wingers.

But Fofana’s potential arrival could be the easiest deal to complete. In May, it was widely reported that Lyon faced debts of around £425m and may need to sell players this summer. Signing Fofana could therefore be the best possible way to replace Sancho.