Fofana-lly? Arsenal make late move for Lyon winger
Arsenal’s summer-long quest to take their attack to another level looks set to end with a deadline-day scramble for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, with various sources, including The Athletic, claiming talks have begun for the Belgium international.
The 21-year-old has made 84 appearances for the Ligue 1 side since joining from Gent in January 2024, scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists.
Fofana, who is represented by Roc Nation, the same agency that counts Vinicius Junior and Gabriel Martinelli among its clients, has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs this summer. Newly-promoted Hull, Fulham, Sunderland and Crystal Palace have all been credited with an interest, while RB Leipzig were said to be close to a deal.
Lyon’s difficult financial situation, exacerbated by last week’s Champions League play-off defeat to Fenerbahce, means they are looking to raise funds before the window closes and Arsenal appear ready to take advantage.
There’s no firm suggestion of a fee at this stage, although Transfermarkt values Fofana, who spent four and a half months sidelined by ankle surgery last season, at around €30 million. Given the time constraints and Lyon’s need to sell, Andrea Berta will no doubt be hoping there’s a deal to be done, although BBC Sport claims “there is not universal backing at Arsenal with regards to a move.”
The Gunners have already recruited Christos Tzolis to replace Leandro Trossard this summer, but the picture on the left flank has changed significantly in recent weeks. After unsuccessful pursuits of the aforementioned Vinicius Junior, Morgan Rogers and Julian Alvarez, Gabriel Martinelli’s impending departure has left Arteta short of a natural alternative to the Greece international.
Gabriel Jesus is also set to move on, further reducing the manager’s attacking options, and it appears Berta, now very much under pressure, is determined not to leave the squad light heading into the first half of the season.
Whether Arsenal can get a deal for Fofana over the line in time remains to be seen, but reports suggest they have now emerged as frontrunners for his signature.
There’s plenty of work still to be done elsewhere too. In addition to the exits of Martinelli and Jesus, the Gunners are expected to sell Fabio Vieira to Hamburg and are actively looking to secure loan moves for Ethan Nwaneri and Tommy Setford.
Tuesday’s deadline day is shaping up to be a busy one.
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