Celtic have been informed of the asking price for David Datro Fofana, with Chelsea now setting out their valuation for the striker.
The Ivory Coast international, currently on loan in Turkey, is expected to be moved on permanently this month as Chelsea look to cash in on his strong form.
While Martin O’Neill has already bolstered his attacking options with the arrival of Czech striker Tomas Cvancara, the Celtic boss has made it clear that further reinforcements are not off the table.
Cvancara offers a physical presence up front, but Fofana provides a contrasting profile — more mobile, technical, and dynamic. Chelsea signed the forward from Molde for £10 million in 2023, and he has since spent time on loan at Burnley and Union Berlin.
However, one potential destination is now off the table. Leicester City have withdrawn from the race to sign Fofana on a permanent basis.
According to the Leicester Mercury, the Foxes were deterred by Chelsea’s valuation, with the Blues demanding around £10 million for the striker. That figure has raised eyebrows, as it represents a substantial financial gamble for any suitor.
Such a fee would be highly unusual for Celtic to commit to during the January window, making a deal unlikely unless Chelsea soften their stance.
While Cvancara’s loan agreement includes an option to buy at a similar figure, there is a clear difference between a conditional purchase and an immediate eight-figure outlay.
Speaking about his latest signing, O’Neill was keen to manage expectations around Cvancara’s role, stressing that he is not a traditional target man.
“He’s not a target man, believe it or not,” O’Neill explained.
“He’s not the John Hartson type or the Chris Sutton alongside Henrik Larsson. He’s quick, agile, and hungry to prove himself.
“If people think he’s the instant solution to all our problems, I wouldn’t want to put that kind of pressure on him.”
The 25-year-old is eligible to feature in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash against Hearts — a potentially huge stage for his Celtic debut.
Other strikers on Celtic’s radar
Fofana is one of several Ivorian forwards linked with the Hoops this month. Mohamed Bamba is expected to depart Lorient, while Swedish-based striker Ibrahim Diabaté of GAIS is also attracting interest — a player who fits more closely into the classic target-man mould.
Meanwhile, Callum Wilson appears an increasingly remote option after West Ham reversed course following his late winner against Tottenham.
A sensational return for Kyogo Furuhashi also looks unlikely after the Japanese forward found the net in consecutive matches amid speculation.
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