Celtic edge closer to striker signing as transfer agreement reached

Chelsea have reached an agreement to recall David Datro Fofana from his loan spell at Fatih Karagumruk amid transfer interest from Celtic.

The Ivory Coast striker, whose last senior international cap came way back in 2022, has enjoyed a prolific stint in the Turkish Super Lig and Chelsea have taken the decision to bring him back to west London before aiming to sanction a permanent sale.

That is according to BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella, who has revealed there is “significant” interest in the 23-year-old from multiple clubs across Europe.

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea have recalled Datro Fofana, although the Blues are yet to publicly announce the decision.

The Ivorian scored eight goals in just 15 games across all competitions for Karagumruk and his form has alerted a number of recruitment departments in world football.

Datro Fofana joined Chelsea from Molde for €12 million in January 2023, but he has only made four first-team appearances for the club and he looks set to depart on a permanent deal this month after loan spells at Union Berlin, Burnley, Goztepe and Karagumruk.

David Datro Fofana to join Celtic?

Celtic were linked with a move for the 23-year-old over the summer and they have now opted to rekindle their interest in his signature, as per the aforementioned Romano.

Martin O’Neill’s side are in the market for a new centre forward and Datro Fofana is one of several players on their transfer shortlist, alongside the likes of Kieron Bowie (Hibernian) and Franko Kovacevic (NK Celje). A move for Callum Wilson, however, is off the table as West Ham United want to keep him.

Derby County and Royal Antwerp are among the other clubs interested in landing Datro Fofana before the end of the January transfer window, although Celtic are keen to win the race for the Chelsea star, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €7.1m.

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