Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

3 World Cup stars Arsenal should target in January

By Kenneth Daly

AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 14: Randal Kolo Muani of France celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi final match between France and Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium on December 14, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)
AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 14: Randal Kolo Muani of France celebrates his goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi final match between France and Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium on December 14, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next

3. Youssouf Fofana (France)

Arsenal could be in the market for a midfielder this winter. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Arsenal could be in the market for a midfielder this winter. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Back to the fallen champions now and while he won’t win quite the same plaudits as Kylian Mbappe, Youssouf Fofana certainly played his part in getting Les Bleus to a second successive World Cup final.

Often brought on from the bench, Fofana was tasked with completing the unglamorous work in the middle of the park and used his immense physicality – as well as terrific anticipation – to come out on top in several duels.

However, there is so much more to the Frenchman’s game as he carries a notable offensive threat too. He uses an incredible work ethic to drift into forward areas to provide options and can thread passes in behind the defence, while nifty footwork makes him almost impossible to close down – a key attribute for any team that builds from the back.

Being the linchpin of a Monaco side targeting Europa League glory, Fofana will probably not be prised away from Ligue 1 in January, but a contract-expiry date of 2024 means another opportunity could arrive further down the line.

Could he be the heir to Thomas Partey’s throne?

Home/Arsenal News