Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all keen to sign Ligue 1 star Malick Fofana while Nottingham Forest have already agreed a deal with Lyon.
Last season’s biggest surprise performer, Notts Forest, are looking to continue in the same vein next season and Fofana would be a great signing to show their ambition.
From 2,200 minutes, the 20-year-old scored 11 goals and provided six assists, attracting a lot of attention from the Premier League.
Meanwhile, data from Fbref shows that Fofana is not only one of the most exciting players for the future, he’s one of the most effective players in his position in Europe already.
He ranks in (a) the 90th percentile for non-penalty goals, (b) the 98th percentile for progressive carries and (c) the 90th percentile for progressive pass received.
Arne Slot loves a player that can break the lines and given that Fofana averages 6.7 carries per game and 11.4 passes received between the lines per 90, he’s understandably a top target for the Reds.
Latest Malick Fofana transfer news: He is a huge target for several Premier League teams
Fabrizio Romano reports that Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal with Lyon but are yet to reach an agreement with Fofana.
The Italian journalist reports: “Nottingham Forest have agreed deal with Olympique Lyon for Malick Fofana… but no agreement yet on player side.
“Fofana, waiting for Champions League clubs with Chelsea still keen on the player.
“Understand Bayern and Napoli have also called to make initial approach.”
??? EXCL: Nottingham Forest have agreed deal with Olympique Lyon for Malick Fofana… but no agreement yet on player side.
Fofana, waiting for Champions League clubs with Chelsea still keen on the player.
Understand Bayern and Napoli have also called to make initial approach. pic.twitter.com/dp8XtwDP9x
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2025
Meanwhile, the Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports that Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all serious about signing Fofana with Lyon demanding £51.5m (€60m) to sell him.
However, Delaney does note that given the extent of the interest in the Belgian star, an “auction” for Fofana may develop.
In addition, Forest and Fulham are also keen while Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Napoli represent the interest from the continent.
Mounting financial pressure means Lyon will almost certainly be forced into a sale this summer but only time will tell who the 20-year-old joins.