Charlton Athletic tipped to beat Celtic and Preston North End to Premier League transfer

Charlton Athletic are tipped to beat Scottish Premiership outfit Celtic and Championship rivals to the loan signing of Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana.

The 22-year-old, who has four Premier League goals to his name, is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and expected to make a late loan move away from the club. Links with the Addicks had emerged earlier today with Preston North End also rumoured.

Since then, Celtic had been credited with transfer interest in the player and were briefly touted as frontrunners. Scottish journalist Mark Hendry reported on a Celtic loan bid after the side saw their move for Anderlecht star Kasper Dolberg hijacked by Ajax.

Charlton Athletic frontrunners to sign Chelsea striker

However, transfer specialist Pete O’Rourke took to social media platform X shortly before the deadline to suggest that it is indeed Charlton Athletic who are most likely to lead the race.

He wrote: “Charlton have now emerged as favourites to land Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana ahead of Preston on loan.”

The Addicks have scored just two goals in their first four Championship fixtures so far this season as they adjust to life in the second tier. Fofana spent the start of last season on loan at Turkish side Goztepe but was recalled early having picked up a hamstring injury.

Addicks still without Matty Godden

Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Fofana from Molde FK for a reported £10 million in 2022 but he has only made four first team appearances for the Blues. His most notable season came while on loan at Burnley during the back end of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Clarets struggled and were relegated but Fofana still earned praise for his efforts, scoring four goals in 15 Premier League appearances. Speaking about the player after he bagged a brace against Fulham, former Burnley manager Victor Kompany said: "He (Fofana) was aggressive, wanted to win every duel, he's very fast and it's a good starting point for him and we're fortunate to recruit him.”

The arrival of Fofana would be a boost for Charlton Athletic, who have been without talisman Matty Godden so far this season. The striker continues to be an absence having undergone a ‘minor’ knee surgery over the summer. Godden, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, did not feature in pre-season and is yet to make an appearance.

In other news, Charlton Athletic boss slams QPR referee decision and drops hint amid Peterborough United transfer race.