According to a report, Marseille are starting to have serious doubts about the possibility of signing Wesley Fofana.
The Chelsea defender has never made a secret of his desire to play for his hometown club, and even admitted that he was tempted when sporting director Mehdi Benatia contacted him last summer.
Read: Manchester United very close to completing TWO major transfers
At that point, Fofana chose to stay at Chelsea and usher in a new era under Enzo Maresca. In the first half, it went well for both parties. Fofana, finally injury-free after two trouble-filled seasons, played well and was a regular in the team, with Maresca stating that he is “in love” with the Frenchman.
Repeated injury problems
But the season eventually became a repeat of previous years. Chelsea’s form declined, and Fofana ended up on the sidelines again – this time with a hamstring injury that eventually required surgery.
Chelsea have reportedly lost patience with Fofana’s absence and are willing to consider offers for the 24-year-old this summer, which has naturally rekindled Marseille’s interest.
Read on F7: Checked out Liverpool after taking a look at the Etihad and greeting Pep Guardiola
Marseille doubts feasibility
The Ligue 1 giants avoided a “disaster” (as Benatia called it) in a chaotic season by qualifying for the Champions League, which secured them much-needed revenue.
But despite this financial recovery, Marseille have now had doubts about the possibility of signing Fofana, according to Sacha Tavolieri. The player’s high salary is reportedly giving them a headache.
In addition, his persistent injury problems are a major concern. There is no mention that Fofana still has a long-term contract with Chelsea – until 2029 – so the transfer fee is unlikely to be cheap, especially since the Blues spent a whopping €80 million on him.
Marseille, therefore, deny that there has been any significant development in their interest in the local boy. They are still interested, but a transfer seems difficult to carry out as the situation is now.
