Arsenal make approach for Malick Fofana in last-minute pursuit for forward

Arsenal have made an approach to Lyon for Malick Fofana as part of their last-minute pursuit to sign a forward before the transfer deadline, according to multiple reports.

The Gunners are weighing up a move for the Belgium international ahead of the window slamming shut at 11pm on Tuesday 1 September and view him as a market opportunity following Les Gones' exit from the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta's side have just over 24 hours remaining in the window if they are to sign an attacking player and it looks as if Fofana is the option they have landed on.

Arsenal weighing up deal for Malick Fofana

According to the reports, Arsenal are currently in discussions with Lyon over the structure of a potential deal for Fofana, but the North Londoners are not willing to meet the €40million valuation set by the seven-time Ligue 1 winners.

However, talks seem to be moving forward with the Gunners also in contact with the player's camp, Roc Nation, and they are willing to materialise a move if the price is right. Fofana is open to a move to the Premier League champions and has also turned down interest from Crystal Palace.

Fofana has proven himself as one of the French league's hottest prospects since joining Lyon from Gent in January 2024. He has made 84 appearances for OL, scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists.

He joins a long list of targets Arsenal have pursued in their hunt for an attacker this summer. They explored an ambitious move for Vinícius Júnior in July and after he committed his future to Real Madrid, significant interest has been shown in Julián Alvarez, but the Argentina international doesn't want to join the club.

Christos Tzolis is the only attacking reinforcement the Gunners have brought in so far this summer after Leandro Trossard joined Beşiktaş. However, plenty feel further additions need to be made with Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli on the brink of moves away while Ethan Nwaneri is also attracting interest before the deadline.

Arteta's side take on Aston Villa this evening in their first away game of the new Premier League season, and Tzolis is set to start on the left wing after impressing in the opening win over Coventry City, but it is expected he will need some support in the position over what is likely to be another busy campaign.

There is just over a day to go until the transfer deadline and Arsenal will need to act quick if they are to add Fofana, or another forward, to their ranks in order to avoid it being a case of too little too late in their lengthy pursuit of an attacker.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow