Chelsea complete deal for new striker as David Datro Fofana nears Burnley loan move

Chelsea have completed the signing of Dujuan Richards from the Pheonix Academy.

Richards’ move was agreed last summer and he trained with Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad out in the United States during their pre-season tour.

The Jamaica international’s move was unable to be completed until he turned 18, however following his 18th birthday in November, Chelsea have been able to formalise the signing of the teenager.

Speaking the official Chelsea website, Richards said: “I’m so pleased to be here.

“My dream was always to sign a professional contract and to have the chance to do that here at Chelsea, it’s difficult to put into words the emotions. I just can’t wait to get started.”

As Richards’ move is confirmed, David Datro Fofana is nearing a loan exit to Burnley until the end of the season.

Fofana spent the first half of the season on loan in Germany at Union Berlin, but he was recalled to facilitate Ian Maatsen’s temporary switch to Borussia Dortmund.

Pochettino remains unsure what transfer business will be conducted between now and the end of the window amid speculation over Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah’s futures.

“With the club, of course,” Pochettino responded regarding transfer conversations.

“I say ‘the club’ because of the owners – Behdad, Todd, Jose, Laurence and Paul, and of course me and Jesus. We are all in conversation. The relationship is good. We are going to do what is the best for the club and to try and perform and win games.

“We have to look after the squad and be involved with the players and the staff. Sometimes we talk about it’s a new team but it’s a new club, different areas of the club are new also. We need to coordinate and create a way to work and to perform also.

“Sometimes I don’t say nothing about that but it’s always good to context everything. Of course we are talking and we will decide what’s best for us.”