Chelsea have confirmed that they have agreed a deal with Molde for striker David Datro Fofana.
Earlier this month, it was widely reported that the Blues had moved swiftly to strengthen their forward line due to the season-ending injury to Armando Broja.
Although the Ivory Coast international had also been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion, it was suggested that everything was in place for Chelsea to win the race for the 20-year-old's signature.
With a medical having been completed last week, an announcement has been expected from Chelsea in due course, despite the January transfer window not opening until Sunday.
The West Londoners have now acknowledged that deal, stating that Fofana will officially join the club on the first day of 2023.
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A previous report indicated that Chelsea will pay in excess of €12m (£10.6m) for Fofana, who is expected to add extra strength in depth in the final third rather than go out on loan.
Since moving to Norway in February 2021, Fofana has contributed 24 goals and 10 assists in his 65 appearances in all competitions.
In the 2022 Eliteserien, Fofana chipped in with 15 strikes and five assists from just 24 outings, a return which has helped convinced Chelsea to secure his services.
As it stands, Chelsea have not disclosed the length of contract, but the new club hierarchy have been making a habit of handing out contracts lasting at least five years.
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Head coach Graham Potter will hope that Fofana can help improve his team's efforts in front of goal with just 19 strikes coming from 15 matches in the Premier League.
Kai Havertz is the leading goalscorer in the top flight with four efforts to his name, the latest coming during a 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Fofana will not be eligible to represent Chelsea until the meeting with Manchester City on January 5 ahead of a showdown with the same opponents in the FA Cup three days later.
Chelsea have also been heavily linked with deals for Vasco da Gama youngster Andrey Santos and Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile.
Darren Plant
