via Reuters
Arsenal have held talks over a late-window deal to sign Lyon forward Malick Fofana, according to David Ornstein.
Arsenal have been looking to add to their frontline all summer, with Christos Tzolis the only attacking addition through the door to date, with just over 36 hours to go until the transfer deadline.
The Greek international has made a really positive start to life at the Emirates, with two assists in two first-team appearances for the Gunners, and he will be hoping to maintain that form when the north London outfit face Aston Villa on Monday night.
Arsenal have strengthened well in other areas of the pitch, with experienced Premier League duo Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes also arriving, but it appears as though Mikel Arteta wants another forward through the door now.
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The need for a new face has been heightened by the imminent departures of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to Al-Hilal and Barcelona respectively.
The Gunners' dream target is Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, but after his club failed to do business with Real Madrid or Barcelona this summer, it appears as though the Argentina international is most likely to remain at the Metropolitano Stadium.
According to Ornstein, posting on X on Monday evening, Arsenal are weighing up a last-minute move for Fofana, with the 21-year-old having already held talks with Arteta over a switch to London.
The Belgian is seen as a market opportunity after Lyon missed out on qualification for the Champions League, and has been on Arsenal's transfer radar.
Fabrizio Romano has added that club-to-club contacts are already underway, although the Gunners are unwilling to meet the player's €40m price tag, and will only proceed if the price is right.
Malick Fofana Could be Smart Signing
via Reuters
If Arsenal want to add another exciting young attacker to their frontline, there won't be many better market opportunities before the deadline than Fofana.
The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for Lyon since joining them in 2024, and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
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Malick Fofana Record for Lyon
Appearances
Goals
Assists
The Belgian's goal record is particularly impressive for a young, wide player, although he would probably want to have more assists to his name.
His Belgian teammate Kevin De Bruyne has issued his verdict on the winger, making it clear that he has a lot of developing to do to shine at one of Europe's biggest clubs.
"Is Malick similar in style to Doku? Yes, they are both wingers, fairly small, fast.
Of course, Jeremy has been with us for five or six years. He also plays for Manchester City, which, with all due respect, is a level above Lyon. Malick is younger and still developing.
While a deal is not guaranteed to happen, if the price is right then Arsenal should do everything to get a late deal over the line for the Belgian, who could replace his compatriot Leandro Trossard as a key player in the future.
TV pundit Gary Neville points
TV pundit Gary Neville points