Arsenal eyeing up summer move for €60 million ratedLigue 1 winger: Reports

According to The Independent, Arsenal are in contact with Lyon over the possible move of Malick Fofana to the Emirates. The Gunners are reportedly looking to bolster all positions in their frontline this summer.

As such, they have identified Fofana as one of the summer targets given his flexibility to feature on both flanks in the attack. However, the aforementioned source added that Lyon has fixed Fofana's asking price at €60 million.

The fee is expected to rise when numerous interest clubs, such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Napoli, among others, begin to send in their bids. Fofana's willingness to exit Lyon is reportedly due to the club's financial struggles and demotion to the Ligue 2 at the end of last season.

While Lyon is appealing their demotion verdict, the Ligue 1 side are expected to sell the youngster. As a left-winger, Fofana could also feature on the right wing in attack. Thus, his versatility could stand to benefit Mikel Arteta's side if the deal becomes a reality. Fofana joined Lyon from KAA Gent in January 2024 and has registered 62 appearances since joining them, scoring 15 and delivering seven assists.

TBR Football recently reported that Gabriel Martinelli's camp has revealed that the Brazilian will reconsider his future if Arsenal sign another left-winger. Thus, Fofana could be a decent and long-term replacement for the Brazilian if he leaves the Emirates.

"They’ve always wanted to strengthen on the left wing" - David Ornstein on Arsenal's transfer plans

Web Summit 2023 - Day One - Source: Getty

Journalist David Ornstein has claimed that Arsenal remain interested in strengthening the left wing this summer. However, the transfer expert added that the possibility of a new left-winger depends on the future of Gabriel Martinelli.

In an interview on The Athletic podcast, Ornstein said (via Just Arsenal):

“They’ve always wanted to strengthen on the left wing, but they’ve got Gabriel Martinelli, a very fine player, there already, If he were to leave, then you can see them bringing in a top left-sided winger. If he’s not to leave, then I don’t think so. We’ve talked and reported on Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon. I think that’s if Martinelli leaves. I don’t necessarily think that’s if he were to stay.”

The Gunners have been linked with a good number of left-wingers this summer, including Malick Fofana. As per GiveMeSport, the Gunners are also interested in signing Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon this summer.

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

Know More

Edited by Aditya Singh