Five Malick Fofana alternatives Arsenal can look to sign on transfer deadline day

Kevin Schade of Brentford could be an interesting option for Arsenal

Arsenal seemingly won't be signing Lyon winger Malick Fofana after Sunderland swooped in to satisfy the French club's valuation of the player. Crystal Palace are said to be trying to hijack the deal, too, though that is a developing story.

The Gunners had been exploring a transfer for the tricky dribbler as they look to bolster their left flank while preparing to wave goodbye to Gabriel Martinelli, who is set to sign for Al-Hilal.

So where does that leave them so late in the window? Well, Arsenal feel Eberechi Eze is capable of operating from the left, so he can compete with Christos Tzolis for minutes. Noni Madueke can also play from the left if required.

Ideally, Arsenal would have liked to bring in another left-winger, hence their high-profile pursuit of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior. Juventus' Kenan Yildiz is also admired but Juventus wanted to keep the Turk, who is currently sidelined due to injury.

READ MORE: Follow our live updates on transfer deadline day as Arsenal explore incomings and outgoings!

So where do the Premier League champions turn next, if at all? Here are five left-field options that hypothetically, might make sense, though it's important to clarify this is merely analysis, as oppose to information that Arsenal will move on any of these names.

Brentford's Kevin Schade showcased his ability once again on Sunday when he scored an excellent flick in the Bees' 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Schade has been linked with Arsenal but a move has never really seemed concrete. Brentford would also demand huge cash, so that would be a difficult deal to do. At 24, he's a great profile and a player that would elevate the overall level of Mikel Arteta's attack.

Throwing big cash at Yildiz is also another option. He's not fit at the moment, so that would be the risk plus Juve are reluctant to sell given he signed a new contract in February. Still, he's a player that would be a great signing, long-term.

Arsenal target Kenan Yildiz is staying at Juventus

Antonio Nusa showcased his dribbling ability and skill at the World Cup with Norway. He's twice come close to Premier League moves in the past with Tottenham and Brentford but has since remained with RB Leipzig, who are unlikely to entertain offers having already sold Yan Diomande to Real Madrid.

Alberto Moleiro notched 10 goals and five assists for Villarreal in La Liga last season and could also be an intriguing option, though it's unlikely to be a player that excites a slightly underwhelmed fanbase.

Finally, Moroccan starlet Abde Ezzalzouli of Real Betis is a forward of real promise. He scored in the Conference League final against Chelsea in 2025 and has also caught the eye in Spain, attracting interest from clubs such as Newcastle and Aston Villa earlier this summer.

It's hard to see how Betis would consider selling one of their most-prized assets this close to the deadline but Ezzalzouli is a promising profile who looks ready to make the next step in his development.

Arguably, the left-wing landscape and the talents listed above suggest Arsenal would be well within their rights to hold fire until January to bring in a new forward. They have never really been a club to panic, not least under Mikel Arteta.

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Ryan Taylor is a London-based Football Reporter who has worked across Reach's National titles since 2018. After graduating from the University of Brighton with a Sports Journalism degree, he previously climbed the ranks of the Daily Express, where he also covered boxing, before joining the Sunday Mirror as a Football Reporter in 2023. Ryan has developed a strong track record for breaking news on the London football beat.

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