Report: Arsenal reach agreement ‘on all matters’ to sign left-winger

Arsenal’s deadline-day pursuit of Malick Fofana appears to have taken a significant step forward, with the Gunners reportedly reaching a full agreement with the Lyon winger.

Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu reports that Arsenal have now reached an agreement with Fofana “on all matters”, leaving a deal between the two clubs as the remaining obstacle.

Perhaps even more encouragingly for Arsenal, the Belgian international appears to have made the Emirates his clear priority.

According to Sabuncuoğlu, Fofana and his representatives are now putting pressure on Lyon to accept Arsenal’s offer, while holding off interest from other clubs in both the Premier League and Serie A as they wait for the Gunners.

It is a potentially significant breakthrough on deadline day.

Arsenal’s interest in the 21-year-old has accelerated over the last 24 hours, with L’Équipe reporting that the Premier League champions had moved into pole position for his signature. The French outlet suggested Lyon were looking for around €40million for the winger.

Fofana has emerged as an attractive option as Arsenal look to reshape the left side of Mikel Arteta’s attack following Gabriel Martinelli’s departure.

Rather than signing another established star for an enormous fee, Fofana would represent something of a calculated gamble. He already has senior experience but, at just 21, Arsenal would be buying a player they believe can develop significantly further.

His biggest weapon is his pace. Fofana is direct, explosive and comfortable attacking defenders one-v-one – qualities that could give Arteta a different option on the left flank.

The player’s apparent determination to join Arsenal could now be crucial.

Lyon’s financial position means there is motivation to sell, particularly after the French club missed out on Champions League football. Reports in France have suggested they need to generate significant funds through player sales before the window closes.

That potentially gives Arsenal leverage.

If Fofana is rejecting or delaying alternative opportunities while making it clear that he wants Arsenal, Lyon’s options become increasingly limited as the deadline approaches.

It now looks like a case of whether the two clubs can find an agreement on the final package.

For Arsenal, it could represent another impressive piece of deadline-day business: turning the money generated through attacking departures into one of Europe’s most exciting young wide players.

And with Fofana seemingly doing everything he can from his side to make the transfer happen, the pressure is now firmly on Lyon.

Follow all the latest Arsenal deadline-day developments in our Arsenal transfer news section, or build your Arsenal XI with the Gunners’ new-look squad.