Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported the approach, confirming that Barcelona have placed Fofana on their internal shortlist of potential summer recruits and have held talks with his agents.
The 25-year-old's profile appeals to the Catalan club, who are in the market for a left-footed or left-sided central defender capable of operating in Hansi Flick's high defensive line.
Chelsea are open to a sale. The club paid £75 million for Fofana from Leicester City in 2022, making him one of the most expensive defenders in Premier League history at the time, but are prepared to accept a fee of around €30 million — roughly £26 million — to move him on. McFarlane has not selected Fofana in either of his two matches in charge, adding to the sense that the player's time at the club is coming to an end.
The sticking point between buyer and seller is the deal structure. Barcelona are exploring a loan with a purchase option, a format they have used repeatedly to manage their financial limitations under La Liga's financial fair play regulations. Chelsea are insisting on a permanent transfer and have shown no interest in entertaining a temporary arrangement.
Fofana has made 34 appearances in all competitions this season — his most productive campaign since arriving at the club — and his injury problems are understood to be behind him. He has 68 appearances in total for Chelsea across four seasons.
His contract runs until June 2029, giving Chelsea leverage but also an incentive to sell now rather than carry a player who appears surplus to requirements into another season. Barcelona's ability to meet the permanent fee without a sell-on or loan structure will determine whether the deal can be done.