Fabrizio Romano reveals Celtic contact over £10m signing for O’Neill

Celtic have been credited with an interest in Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana after fresh reports suggested the London club are ready to sanction a permanent departure for the striker during the January window.

According to GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano, Celtic are among several clubs who have made contact regarding the availability of the 23-year-old, with Chelsea now actively working towards a full exit rather than another loan move. The Premier League side signed Fofana for around £10 million in 2023, but he has struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge and is no longer seen as part of their short-term plans.

With Celtic continuing to reassess their attacking options this month, the striker market remains an area of focus for Brendan Rodgers and the club’s recruitment team. Recent developments in the window have forced a degree of recalibration, and Celtic are understood to be exploring a range of forward profiles as they look to strengthen without disrupting long-term squad planning.

David Datro Fofana in action for Chelsea

Fofana’s situation has therefore emerged as one worth monitoring. While no agreement has been reached and discussions remain at an early stage, interest in the player is growing as Chelsea look to streamline their squad and find a permanent solution for a player who has spent much of his time away from the club on loan.

Writing on X, Romano confirmed that Chelsea and Fofana are aligned on the idea of a permanent transfer this month. Several clubs have registered interest, with Celtic named alongside Royal Antwerp and Derby County as teams keeping close tabs on the situation. At this stage, there is no indication that a preferred destination has been chosen, but the emphasis is firmly on a full sale rather than a temporary move.

Chelsea’s desire for a clean break reflects their broader squad rebuild, with the club keen to move on players who are not viewed as part of their immediate future. Fofana, despite showing flashes of potential, has not been able to force his way into the first-team picture and has instead gained experience through loan spells elsewhere.

From Celtic’s point of view, Fofana fits several aspects of the profile they are believed to be assessing in January. The Scottish champions are thought to be looking at forwards who can add physicality, mobility and depth to their attacking options, while still offering room for growth. Rather than simply replacing an existing option, the club are keen to introduce variety in the final third.

Fofana’s pace, strength and willingness to run the channels could offer Celtic a different dimension in attack. Comfortable operating as a central striker, he would provide an alternative option rather than a direct replica of the profiles already at the club. At 23, he also remains young enough to develop further within the right environment.

However, any potential deal is far from straightforward. Chelsea’s preference for a permanent transfer means finances will play a significant role, both in terms of the fee and the overall structure of the deal. Celtic are known to operate within a disciplined framework and are unlikely to be drawn into a move that does not represent clear value.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 08: David Datro Fofana of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Competition from other interested clubs further complicates matters. Royal Antwerp and Derby County are both understood to be active in the race, and their respective propositions could appeal to the player depending on playing time, league level and long-term ambitions. As a result, Celtic are expected to carefully weigh up whether pursuing Fofana aligns with their wider January strategy.

At this stage, there is no suggestion that a deal is close or imminent. Instead, Fofana’s availability is one of several situations Celtic are keeping under review as the window moves towards a decisive phase. Much will depend on Chelsea’s final valuation, the player’s preferences and whether a deal can be structured in a way that suits all parties.

For now, Celtic’s interest remains exploratory rather than advanced. But with Chelsea open to letting the striker leave and multiple clubs circling, Fofana’s future is likely to become clearer in the coming weeks. Whether Celtic decide to push further will hinge on how the rest of their January business unfolds and whether the opportunity is deemed the right fit for both the present and the future.