Everton ‘in discussions’ to swap £15m flop for ‘outstanding’ Chelsea player

Everton are reportedly in discussions to replace Neal Maupay with Chelsea’s fringe forward David Datro Fofana.

The Toffees are clearly in need of an attacking boost, having recorded less than 1.0 expected goals across their first two Premier League defeats this season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future remains uncertain, and last summer’s young signing, Youssef Chermiti, is currently sidelined, leaving Everton short on attacking options.

Additionally, Neal Maupay is in the final year of his contract, and it’s evident he has no long-term future at the club.

After spending last season on loan and not featuring in any of Everton’s first two games, his time at the club appears to be nearing an end.

Everton will likely aim to recoup some of the £15 million they spent on him in 2022, with potential moves to Marseille or Brentford on the cards.

Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana could potentially fill Maupay’s spot.

Fofana is among the players Chelsea is looking to offload before the transfer window closes, which could facilitate a deal for Everton.

Since joining Chelsea from Molde for £8-10 million in January 2023, Fofana has made just four appearances, having been loaned out to Burnley and Union Berlin. Another loan move is possible.

Sources close to Chelsea indicate that Everton have initiated talks regarding a possible deal for Fofana.

However, Chelsea reportedly values him highly, so any agreement would likely exclude an obligation or option to buy, according to TeamTalk.

The move for Fofana has gained traction following a failed attempt to sign Armando Broja, and an achilles issue discovered during Broja’s medical at Ipswich Town makes a move for the Ivorian forward more logical.

Fofana previously showed flashes of brilliance under Vincent Kompany in the latter half of last season.

He scored an impressive long-range goal against West Ham United at the London Stadium, prompting Kompany to call him “outstanding” and suggest he is capable of much more.

Some Chelsea fans and a Daily Mail journalist questioned why former manager Graham Potter didn’t give Fofana more opportunities after an impressive cameo against Southampton in 2023.

With quick feet, pace, a strong work ethic, and the ability to create opportunities out of nothing, Fofana possesses qualities Everton currently lack.

He ranks in the 90th percentile for tackles and the 96th percentile for successful take-ons among forwards, making him well-suited to lead the line for the Toffees.

His 52.1% shot-on-target success rate also places him among the elite.

Fofana is in urgent need of a club that will give him a real chance.

He showed potential in a Burnley side struggling through a relegation season, and Everton could provide a solid platform for him to demonstrate his talents.

This could be a situation where both the player and the club mutually benefit from the opportunity.