Malick Fofana speaks out on Chelsea interest and explains transfer decision - 'More important'

Malick Fofana was on Chelsea's radar during the summer transfer window (Image: Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Malick Fofana has opened up about the interest from Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The Lyon winger's impressive performances in the French top-flight saw him heavily linked with a move to the Premier League .

Chelsea are believed to have made initial contact with Lyon to explore a potential deal, but Borussia Dortmund star Gittens was always the top priority. Meanwhile, Liverpool were also linked with a potential move.

In response to the interest, the 20-year-old indicated that remaining at Lyon was the best choice for his development.

"There was interest from those two clubs, but ultimately it wasn’t concrete enough," he revealed .

"I thought about a transfer, but I think it’s more important now that I play a lot, and that has to happen at Lyon because I still have progress to make.

"Of course [I want to go to the 2026 World Cup], but I realise I still have a lot to prove. I've already made progress. I’m now more decisive and more involved in the game.

"I’m just a normal lad and I’m keeping my cool. I don’t focus on the media either, I just do what I love to do: dribble and score."

While he may have struggled for regular minutes at Chelsea, at Lyon, Fofana remains a key figure in their starting lineup.

The winger featured in 41 matches across all competitions last season and has already started all three of the club's Ligue 1 games in the 2025–26 campaign.

Premier League Chelsea Lyon Malick Fofana Transfer Rumor