Liverpool, Chelsea Compete for 20-Year-Old Lyon Winger Malick Fofana

Chelsea and Liverpool are competing for Lyon star Malick Fofana, a 20-year-old Belgian winger valued at around £43-50 million, with Fofana reportedly favoring a move to Liverpool. Liverpool's interest in Fofana comes amid uncertainty over Luis Diaz's future, while Chelsea sees Fofana as a key addition after opting against a permanent Jadon Sancho deal. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Newcastle United are in a transfer race for Brighton forward Joao Pedro, a versatile 23-year-old Brazilian attacker who Brighton value at approximately £60 million; Newcastle have already initiated talks, with Chelsea having made contact but not yet engaged formally. Chelsea's pursuit of Pedro aims to fill the void left by the likely departure of Christopher Nkunku, following the arrival of Liam Delap, while Newcastle looks for a replacement for Callum Wilson. Additionally, Chelsea and Arsenal have withdrawn their interest in Nico Williams of Athletic Club, who now appears likely to move to Barcelona, as Chelsea focuses on other winger targets like Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho. Liverpool and Chelsea could also face off for Southampton's Tyler Dibling, a promising young forward expected to leave relegated Saints this summer.