Arsenal had been eyeing a deadline day move for Malick Fofana but Sunderland have leaped to the head of the queue and secured a deal for the Lyon star
Malick Fofana is set for a move to Sunderland on deadline day
Malick Fofana is set for a move to Sunderland on deadline day
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Sunderland have secured an agreement to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana - who was also on Arsenal's radar on deadline day.
The Gunners had identified the Belgian as someone they could go after late in the window as Mikel Arteta sought even more quality in the final third, but Fofana is now on his way to Sunderland. The 21-year-old has been granted permission to travel to undergo a medical ahead of signing a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
Fofana had gone as far as to speak to Arteta, reports the Athletic, but Sunderland have stolen a march and will bolster their squad. Regis le Bris is having to prepare for a season in Europe, which will place more demand on their resources.
Fofana has recorded two goals in six appearances for Lyon already this season - one of those coming in the second leg of the Champions League play-off defeat to Fenerbahce. Overall he has scored 19 goals in 83 appearances for the French side.
Fofana has long been linked with a move to England - Chelsea made a verbal enquiry for him and Everton held talks over a possible move last summer.
Sunderland have been in the market for more attacking talent and had eyed taking Jack Grealish on loan with his days at Manchester City seemingly numbered. Grealish himself wasn't keen on the move and will instead head back to Everton, where he spent last season.
Arsenal's interest in Fofana comes despite the wealth of attacking depth, which has been added to this summer with the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. He has started both of the Premier League games so far with Bukayo Saka on the other flank.
Mikel Arteta had been keen on adding the Belgian
Mikel Arteta had been keen on adding the Belgian
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That has left Arteta with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Max Dowman as options he can call upon from the bench. The array of attacking talent has left some individual on the outer however and Ethan Nwaneri is poised to move to Borussia Dortmund on loan.
Gabriel Martinelli, who was integral when Arsenal first became a force under Arteta, has missed out on matchday squads this season and is poised for a record departure as he heads to Saudi Arabia. Gabriel Jesus, one of only two recognised strikers at Arsenal, is also due to leave.
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