Wesley Fofana: What next for £70m Chelsea defender

Fofana was highly rated by former manager Enzo Maresca, who, according to sources, often told him privately he was “better than the others”. His pace was integral to the Italian’s preferred high line and style of play.

Under Maresca, Fofana built an effective partnership with Colwill, but the England international suffered a long-term knee injury and missed almost the entirety of last season.

Throughout the campaign, Chelsea’s defensive record lagged behind eventual champions Arsenal, even when they were being touted as title contenders in November.

There was a rapid decline in all areas of the squad following Maresca’s departure after a falling-out with the hierarchy, while his successor Liam Rosenior lasted just four months.

Fofana was among a large group of players, including members of the Spanish-speaking contingent, who were not enamoured with Rosenior and his form declined further as a result.

During this period, Chelsea also recalled Mamadou Sarr from his loan spell at Strasbourg to reunite with Rosenior, but he struggled for minutes, as did Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo and Josh Acheampong.

This was despite Colwill being sidelined, and now, without European football and with another centre-back expected to arrive, the position appears overcrowded.

Acheampong and Colwill are regarded as “untouchable”, leaving Tosin, Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Fofana as potential candidates for sale, while Sarr remains highly regarded.

Adding into the mix, Tosin and Chalobah have just two years left on their contracts, which usually sparks talks over a new deal or a sale at Chelsea, with Fofana having three years left and Badiashile four.

In Fofana’s case, he arrived with the highest price tag, and due to the way football accounting works, the club would need to receive at least £30m to avoid recording a loss on their accounts.

Fofana is not actively seeking a move but his previous injury record may deter potential suitors. That said, he was largely injury-free last season, aside from a spell out with concussion following a clash with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

Ultimately, Alonso will have a huge say, alongside the wider hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, as the squad is trimmed in a season without European football.