Chelsea announce £8m signing of striker David Datro Fofana

Chelsea have reached a pre-agreement with Molde FK for their Ivorian striker David Datro Fofana.

The Blues have come to an accord with the Norwegian outfit for star forward Fofana, who has been on their radar for some time now as they look to add to their offensive ranks. 

Fofana is the latest striker to make a name for themselves with Molde, with Manchester City star Erling Haaland erupting onto the scene after starring for the Eliteserien champions. 

Sportsmail reported on Wednesday that the Premier League side are set to pay around £8million for the Ivorian striker.

And the Blues issued a statement on their website on Wednesday evening, which read: ‘Chelsea FC has reached a pre-agreement with Molde FK for the transfer of David Datro Fofana.

Fofana has been capped for Ivory Coast 

‘The 20-year-old striker will join the Blues on 1 January 2023. We look forward to welcoming David to the club!’ 

Fofana represents a commitment from Graham Potter to sign young, upcoming stars, who are yet unproven on the biggest stage but will be sure to receive adequate playing time by the former Brighton boss. 

He has appeared eager to sign rising talents, having cemented deals for Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa, Cesare Casadei from Inter Milan, Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire and Omari Hutchinson from Arsenal. 

The Ivorian has featured for his country – doing so in a friendly victory over Burundi earlier this year – but his only experience of European club football comes with Molde. 

However he has been in sublime form for MFK, with 21 of his 24 goals coming last season in just 37 matches in all competitions. 

He has also shown an ability to link the play as well, providing seven assists since the start of the 2022 Norwegian club football season. 

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has shown a commitment to snapping up younger talents

Fofana will replenish an attacking outfit that has appeared blunted at times this season, with Pierre-Emerick…