Malick Fofana has insisted he’s focused on returning to the pitch for Lyon as he snubs any talk of an imminent move to the Premier League.
Malick Fofana has made a serious impression on many of the clubs interested in his signature in the future. The Lyon winger has been in good form for the French side, particularly in the Europa League until he suffered a knee injury recently.
The Belgian was already of interest to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, as those Premier League heavyweights could explore a move for the 20-year-old Ligue 1 attacker in the summer. The Gunners are in the market for a new wide attacker off the left-hand side, although they are chasing names like Nico Williams ahead of the summer.
Fofana remains a name on Mikel Arteta’s list, although Lyon were demanding around €30-35 million before the January window. Those figures would have increased in the period since, as the 20-year-old Ligue 1 attacker has been important for Lyon in the Europa League and their domestic league.
Liverpool were linked with Fofana at some point, as Arne Slot looks at younger attackers ahead of the summer as the Dutch manager builds his team. Fofana’s profile is something that the Reds boss might like for the long-term future.
Moreover, there are significant doubts about Luis Diaz’s long-term future, with reports stating that contract talks have not commenced with the Colombian, which has instead fueled exit talks ahead of the summer. Hence, Fofana could emerge as a long-term replacement for the current Liverpool star on their left wing.
Fofana, for his part, wants to stay grounded and focus on his task with Lyon, as the 20-year-old Ligue 1 attacker seemingly snubbed any talk of a switch to the Premier League. He did indicate the awareness of the interest from top clubs in England, as his comments on Football Insider stated he wants to focus on returning to full fitness with the French side.
Fofana said, “Honestly, I hear about it (Liverpool and Arsenal) but it doesn’t affect me, so I just focus on myself, and I know when I do great that the rest will come”.
“I watch a lot of the Premier League, I know there are a lot of big clubs, so for the moment, I just want to make that return on the pitch.”
“In my head, I said to myself – ‘this season I have to show myself to the world’. I know I am capable of that.”
“I know my talents, I know what I can do, so it was just a matter of time. I know people will always talk – I stay calm, I have a great mentality so I know it will come.”
Fofana has a long career ahead of him, and for the time being, he must find ways to stay consistently fit for Lyon. As is the case with all talented players, the bigger clubs will return with their interest at all times, although there might be the chance of him leaving next summer if the price is right.
Lyon did have a few financial issues, and while their problems eased late in January, they could be faced with more ahead of the summer,. Hence, there’s the distinct possibility of a few high-profile sales out of the club as Fofana could be one of those players.
