Liverpool have stepped up plans to strengthen their forward line this summer by making contact with representatives of Lyon winger Malick Fofana.
The Belgian international has emerged as a serious option to replace Darwin Nunez, whose Anfield future remains uncertain.
According to The Independent, Liverpool reached out to Fofana’s agency, Roc Nation, after Lyon’s financial crisis forced them to put their most valuable players up for sale.
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Lyon pressure to spark bidding war
Lyon face relegation to Ligue 2 because of a €175 million debt and have already sold Rayan Cherki to Manchester City to ease pressure.
Now, they hope to raise at least £51.5 million from Fofana’s sale, a figure that could rise as Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Bayern Munich and Napoli also monitor the situation.
Fofana, who scored 11 goals and registered five assists last season, acknowledged Liverpool’s interest earlier this year but insisted he remains calm.
“Honestly, I hear about it but it doesn’t affect me,” he told Football Insider.
“I just focus on myself. When I do great, the rest will come.”
Liverpool see the 20-year-old as an exciting long-term option who can inject pace and creativity into Arne Slot’s attack if Nunez departs.
Club officials know Lyon want a fast resolution, which could push negotiations forward quickly.
As the situation evolves, Liverpool face a critical decision.
This is to either match Lyon’s valuation and secure Fofana’s signature or risk losing another top young forward to a Premier League rival.
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