Arsenal face tough competition to sign midfielder as PSG enter race for Ligue1 star

According to Football Mercato, Arsenal look set to go head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain for the signature of Youssouf Fofana this summer. The 25-year-old AS Monaco midfielder heads into the final year of his contract, and the principality based club is open to selling him.

Neither side has made an official offer for the midfielder who has been called up to Euro 2024 to represent France. However, he has drawn attention from clubs across Europe, with AC Milan also interestedm according to L’Equipe.

PSG are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of next season, with the Qatari-backed club set to begin a new era without Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi. The Paris-based club are yet to achieve their ambition of winning the UEFA Champions League and will hope that Fofana helps them achieve that goal.

Arsenal, meanwhile, hope that the Frenchman would offer them an option to bolster their midfield ahead of next season. The Gunners hope to win the Premier League for the first time in more than two decades, and the 25-year-old could help them over the line.

Fofana will hope that he puts on a strong showing at Euro 2024 and convince the interested sides that he's a top quality prospect.

Arsenal or PSG - Which club would get Fofana this summer?

Youssouf Fofana has featured as a defensive and central midfielder for the bulk of his career, making nearly 200 appearances. In those positions, he could offer both PSG and Arsenal immense value as a link between defence and attack.

The French champions are rebuilding with the goal of winning the Champions League, aand Fofana could offer an improvement on Fabian Ruiz in midfield. PSG have the resources and allure of guaranteed silverware in their favor and could be a tempting prospect for any French player.

Arsenal, meanwhile, lack a similar title-winning pedigree, with their last major trophy being the 2019-20 FA Cup, but have one of the most exciting projects in Europe at the moment. Mikel Arteta's team are the new chasers in the Premier League, finishing twice behind champions Manchester City. Can they go all the way next season with Fofana’s help?

The Frenchman is valued at €30 million by Transfermarkt and could provide either club with a young and talented option in midfield for years. It remains to be seen which club snaps him up.

About the author

Patrick is a European and international football journalist at Sportskeeda covering news and transfer rumors. A Business Administration graduate with a professional experience of 10 years, one of his earliest childhood memories is watching Calabar Rovers play at the U.J. Esuene Stadium with his father, with whom, he connects with, discussing the beautiful game.

Patrick’s favorite team is Manchester United for their unparallelled legacy and success in the game. He is a big admirer of Michael Carrick and his ‘smooth’ style of play back in the days. His favorite manager is Jose Mourinho, who according to him, brought a ‘swagger’ to football with his unique managerial style. Robin van Persie’s title-winning volley against Aston Villa for the 2013 PL triumph is etched in his memory forever.

Patrick always uses trusted outlets that produce accurate, balanced and fair information, and which present multiple point of views. He believes in reporting in a holistic manner for the readers’ benefit. If he could change a football rule, he would increase the number of substitutions allowed due to the high number of games played these days, to reduce injuries and so that youngsters get to show their talent as well.

When not covering football, Patrick loves reading, writing poems and short stories, and spend time with his dog Lana.

Know More

Edited by Bhargav

Arsenal face tough competition to sign midfielder as PSG enter race for Ligue1 star - Reports

Arsenal or PSG - Which club would get Fofana this summer?