Liverpool join Chelsea in transfer race for £43m star who 'wants Anfield move'

Lyon star Malick Fofana has been on Chelsea's radar for a potential summer transfer but the Blues have now reportedly been joined by Liverpool in the race for his signature

Liverpool are ready to rival Chelsea for Malick Fofana, and could benefit from the player reportedly favouring a move to Merseyside. The Lyon star, 20, has been linked with a £43m exit as the Ligue 1 club continue to trim their squad after selling Rayan Cherki to Manchester City.

Belgium international Fofana joined Lyon from Gent in 2023 and starred in their run to the Europa League quarter-finals last season. The winger scored six goals in 10 appearances in the competition, and also won a penalty in the dramatic 5-4 defeat at Manchester United which saw his team eliminated.

According to L'Equipe, Chelsea have made contact with Lyon's management and now Liverpool have joined the race. The Reds are believed to have made contact with Fofana's new representatives Roc Nation, whose roster also includes Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.

Earlier in the year, Fofana's then agent Bobo Fofana hinted a move to Anfield might well be his preference were he to leave Lyon. Since then, it has emerged that a bid in the region of £43m might be enough to get a deal over the line.

"The choice of heart would be Liverpool. He has the potential to enter the rotation, and above all, we would like to see him succeed African legends such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and El-hadji Diouf," Bobo Fofana told AfricaFoot. "Now, the choice of reason would be Newcastle, a well-structured club that could be a first step to gain experience before, perhaps, joining a club in the European top 5."

Liverpool's reported interest comes amid continued uncertainty over the future of Luis Diaz. The Colombian star continues to be linked with Barcelona, though Liverpool are standing firm and want big money if he is to leave.

"I'm very happy at Liverpool - I've always said so. They've welcomed me very well," Diaz told beIN SPORTS during the June international break. "If Liverpool gives us a good extension, or I have to see out my two-year contract, I'll be happy."

Lyon have been trimming their squad after missing out on Champions League qualification as they look to deal with financial pressures. Cherki's exit has been the highest-profile move so far, with the playmaker joining Manchester City for around £36.5m, while former West Ham winger Said Benrahma has left for Saudi side Neom.

"I want to win everything with City," said Cherki, who made his first City start against Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday. "When I spoke with Pep [Guardiola] he said he wanted me. He was very, very clear [on that] and the system, the club, the city is very good for me."