Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have established contact with Youssouf Fofana over a potential transfer to the Emirates in the summer.
According to a report from L’Equipe, Arsenal are looking at ways to further reinforce their squad ahead of next season. Their manager Mikel Arteta is desperate to add another world-class midfielder to his team and Youssouf Fofana is one of their targets with the Frenchman potentially available for a cut-price fee.
Fofana’s time at Monaco to end soon
Fofana joined AS Monaco in the winter of 2020 from RC Strasbourg and he has only gone from strength to strength since. The midfielder has established himself as a mainstay in the French club’s first team and his consistent performances have also earned him a spot in France’s Euro 2024 squad.
The 25-year-old has been a standout performer for Monaco for the last few campaigns but it seems he won’t be around for next season. His contract at the club runs out in just over 12 months and there have been no talks about a potential extension.
Monaco’s CEO Thiago Scuro has earlier confirmed that the door is open for the French international. They are willing to negotiate his departure in the summer with his contract running. It seems they do not want to risk losing him for free.
Arsenal keen on Fofana’s services
Arsenal are the ones looking to make the most out of the situation. Mikel Arteta’s team have fallen short of the league title in each of the last two seasons and they now want to further bolster their squad in an attempt to get their hands on the silverware.
Arteta feels signing another top-quality midfielder will help them take the next step. He wants someone who can form a double pivot in the midfield alongside Declan Rice and Fofana could be an ideal fit. The 25-year-old is capable enough to feature as a defensive midfielder as well as a bit further up the pitch.
The Gunners have already held talks with the player’s representatives as they look to land him at the club. While they have held discussion, nothing concrete has happened yet and the race for his signature remains wide open for other interested clubs.
