What next for £70m Fofana at Chelsea?

Fofana played 38 times in a largely injury-free campaign last season

In Wesley Fofana's final act of the season. he was sent off asChelseasuffered the consequences of failing to qualify for Europe.

The 25-year-old centre-back. signed for £70m in 2022, pulled down Wilson Isidor asSunderlandheld on for a vital win on the final day of the Premier League season to secure European qualification atChelsea's expense.

It was another low point for Fofana. who received a second yellow card moments after Cole Palmer had pulled a goal back in the 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light. The incident added to the late-season criticism he has received from supporters.

It was his second red card. a club-record eighth in the Premier League (11 overall) in a torrid campaign where the club finished 10th in the table.

Yet, internally, there is no indication thatChelseaare actively looking to sell Fofana.

The France international. who was not selected for his country's World Cup squad, is effectively under scrutiny asChelsealook to reduce the size of their squad before next season under Xabi Alonso.

The picture at centre-back is already crowded, andChelseaare looking to add at least one high-quality option in that area. perhaps another depending on sales.

The idea is to deliver a Premier League-ready option to partner highly regarded defender Levi Colwill, a role once reserved for Fofana given his price tag,. which is now no longer guaranteed.

The situation may be recoverable,. it remains uncertain for Fofana, who must impress Alonso upon arrival when pre-season begins at the end of the month.

The beauty of sharing the first World Cup with your child

Fofana was highly rated by former manager Enzo Maresca. who, according to sources, often told him privately he was "better than the others". His pace was integral to the Italian's preferred high line and style of play.

Under Maresca, Fofana built an effective partnership with Colwill, but the England international suffered a long-term knee injury. missed almost the entirety of last season.

Throughout the campaign,Chelsea's defensive record lagged behind eventual championsArsenal, even when they were being touted as title contenders in November.

There was a rapid decline in all areas of the squad following Maresca's departure after a falling-out with the hierarchy. while his successor Liam Rosenior lasted just four months.

Fofana was among a large group of players, including members of the Spanish-speaking contingent, who were not enamoured with Rosenior. his form declined further as a result.

During this period,Chelseaalso recalled Mamadou Sarr from his loan spell at Strasbourg to reunite with Rosenior, but he struggled for minutes, as did Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo. Josh Acheampong.

This was despite Colwill being sidelined,. now, without European football and with another centre-back expected to arrive, the position appears overcrowded.

Acheampong. Colwill are regarded as "untouchable", leaving Tosin, Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Fofana as potential candidates for sale, while Sarr remains highly regarded.

Adding into the mix, Tosin. Chalobah have just two years left on their contracts, which usually sparks talks over a new deal or a sale atChelsea, with Fofana having three years left and Badiashile four.

In Fofana's case, he arrived with the highest price tag,. due to the way football accounting works, the club would need to receive at least £30m to avoid recording a loss on their accounts.

Fofana is not actively seeking a move but his previous injury record may deter potential suitors. That said. he was largely injury-free last season, aside from a spell out with concussion following a clash with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

Ultimately. Alonso will have a huge say, alongside the wider hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, as the squad is trimmed in a season without European football.

'Star in the making' - what is Man City's plan for forgotten man Reis?

Chelseaacknowledge they need to add physicality, quality and leadership in their incoming signings, particularly at centre-back.

Those within the club have been tight-lipped on specific targets,. checks were made on Ibrahima Konate before he joined Real Madrid fromLiverpool, whileNottingham Forest's Murillo is admired.

Jan Paul van Hecke was linked before his move toTottenhamfromBrighton, whileCrystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix is also reportedly on the radar.

Chelseaare also looking to sign a versatile attacker. Multiple sources suggest a deal has been agreed for Argentina international Valentin Barco from Strasbourg, who can play in central midfield. at left-back, although the club have not confirmed the transfer.

Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid for £51.8m, while there is uncertainty surrounding several other players, including Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho. most of the club's strikers, with the exception of another 'untouchable' in Brazil forward Joao Pedro.

The World Cup records that look set to be broken

Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan views

Ask about Chelsea - what do you want to know?