Arsenal have entered talks to sign £34.3m Belgian star, Arteta has spoken with him
Arsenal are weighing up a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to The Athletic.
The Gunners replaced Leandro Trossard with Christos Tzolis on the left wing earlier this summer, and they are now looking for another solution with Gabriel Martinelli on his way to Al-Hilal.
The Athletic claim that Fofana has emerged as an option. He has spoken with manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal and Lyon are also in contact for the Belgian ace, but the Gunners have no plans to meet the £34.3 million valuation. They will only proceed if the price is right, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Fofana would represent a decent acquisition
The Gunners have found success with Tzolis on the left wing this campaign. He bagged a couple of assists against Manchester City, and also contributed heavily to the win over Coventry City.
However, the Greek looked like a lost figure against Aston Villa on the road tonight. For once, the 24-year-old did not turn up and it showed why the Gunners may need another left-wing option.
Eberechi Eze came off the bench to replace Tzolis at the interval. The Englishman made the difference with a key pass to Riccardo Calafiori, who provided the assist for Bukayo Saka’s winner.
Despite this, Arsenal require another specialist on the left wing. Fofana is a player with immense potential. The Belgian possesses raw pace and a tireless work rate, and would be a decent addition.
Arsenal’s reluctance to meet the price tag is justifiable, given the 21-year-old spent most of last season out with an ankle injury. He has returned this term with two goals from six outings, but the Gunners will no doubt have some doubts over his fitness record after an extended lay-off.
Lyon look poised to sell Fofana after failing to reach the league phase of the Champions League via the play-offs. Les Gones would have preferred to keep Fofana for another season, but the significant losses from the lack of Champions League football need to be offset with a big-money sale.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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