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.