Arsenal, along with their Premier League counterparts, Liverpool and Aston Villa, are engaged in a fierce battle to secure the services of Malick Fofana, a highly touted Belgian midfielder currently playing for Olympique Lyonnais. Fofana, who has already showcased his impressive skills this season, scoring five goals and providing two assists from 16 games across various competitions, is expected to leave Lyon due to the club’s financial struggles.
Lyon’s precarious financial situation, which threatens to relegate the team to the second tier of French football, may force them to part ways with most of their players, including Fofana. According to reports, the French club is willing to listen to offers for the 19-year-old starlet and could be swayed by a significant bid. Lyon is reportedly seeking a transfer fee of between €30-35 million, although they may consider a lower offer as well.
Arsenal, with their ambitious manager Mikel Arteta at the helm, has a reputation for investing in young, talented footballers. Fofana’s skills and age make him an attractive target for the Gunners, who are eager to bolster their attack amid the mixed form of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. The latter, it is worth noting, has been linked with an exit from Emirates Stadium in recent times.
Liverpool, meanwhile, is also eyeing Fofana, given their concerns over the future of Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The Reds are actively scouting the market for potential replacements and have Fofana on their radar. However, Arsenal and Liverpool will likely face stiff competition from Aston Villa, as well as other top-tier clubs such as Bayern Munich, Juventus, and AC Milan.
Fofana’s desire for a new challenge and the prospect of playing for a top-tier team are likely to drive his decision, regardless of which club ultimately secures his signature. For Arsenal, signing Fofana would not only bolster their attacking options but also demonstrate their commitment to investing in young talent. With their young core of players, including Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, the Gunners may be poised to challenge for trophies in the near future.
Additionally, Arsenal may also be eyeing Martin Zubimendi, a 25-year-old Spanish midfielder currently playing for Real Sociedad. Zubimendi was a target for Liverpool this summer, but the Reds were unable to convince him to leave. Arsenal, however, has been long-term admirers of the player and may make a move for him in 2025. Manchester City is also reportedly interested in Zubimendi, making for an intriguing transfer battle in the coming seasons.
