Arsenal transfer target Youssouf Fofana to leave Monaco this summer

Youssouf Fofana's exit from Monaco this summer is 'almost guaranteed', and Arsenal, who are in the hunt for a midfielder or two, have been linked with his signature.

Fofana produced a stellar 2023/24 campaign in Adi Hutter's engine room as Monaco secured a second place finish in Ligue 1 and will return to the Champions League next season. Fofana was one of the stars of the division, with the box-to-box midfielder recording eight goal contributions in 32 league apperances.

The 25-year-old, who has 17 caps for the national team, has been called up to Didier Deschamps' squad for Euro 2024, and is a strong contender to start alongside Eduardo Camavinga given Aurelien Tchouameni's current injury concerns.

With Fofana poised to depart, clubs are sniffing around.

Arsenal could sign Youssouf Fofana for bargain price this summer

It's not yet clear what sort of midfielder Arsenal want to sign. Do they want another playmaker to co-exist with Martin Odegaard, a pivot partner for Declan Rice, or an outright #6? Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly target players capable of ticking multiple boxes.

And Fofana certainly does that.

The Frenchman is an imposing box-to-box midfielder who can do it all. He contributes to the build-up, can play ahead of the ball, crash the box, and standout defensively thanks to his duel-winning capacity and shrewd reading of the game.

"“He [Fofana] is probably one of the players that we are open to selling. We will see the opportunities that he has.”"

- Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro

Arsenal have previously been linked to the Monaco star, and the Gunners could be one of the English clubs Fabrizio Romano understands are interested in acquiring him this summer. Romano writes that Fofana won't be signing a new deal with Monaco despite their Champions League berth, with intrigue in the midfielder widespread. Clubs from England, Italy, and elsewhere hold an interest.

Given that he has just a year left on his deal with now new contract in sight, reports suggest Fofana could be available for as little as €25m. That, my friend, is the epitome of a bargain.

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