Arsenal have decided against signing Malick Fofana after exploring a deadline-day move for the Lyon winger and holding talks with the 21-year-old.
The Gunners considered Fofana as a potential final attacking addition following Gabriel Martinelli’s expected departure, with Mikel Arteta personally speaking to the Belgium international about a move to north London.
However, Arsenal have now opted against pursuing the transfer after examining the conditions required to get a deal done. The Standard reports Lyon wanted around €40million (£35m) for Fofana.
🚨🔴⚪️ BREAKING: Malick Fofana now on his way to undergo medical at Sunderland, here we go!
Deal verbally agreed — understand fee is €30m plus add-ons accepted by Lyon.
Arsenal were never planning to pay €35/40m package. Follows @Santi_J_FM @David_Ornstein. pic.twitter.com/oX27br0Pvg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2026
Arsenal decide against Malick Fofana transfer
Fofana emerged as a serious name to watch during the final 24 hours of the window.
Arsenal explored the possibility of signing him and the player was understood to be keen on the move, but there was never an agreement between the two clubs over the fee.
Read Arsenal reported this morning that Arsenal had opened the door to a late Fofana transfer following Arteta’s talks with the winger..
The situation has now materially changed.
The Standard says Arsenal were offered the opportunity to sign Fofana and assessed the deal, but ultimately decided not to push ahead.
That distinction is important.
This is not simply Arsenal losing a bidding war. The club assessed the winger and the financial conditions before choosing not to meet Lyon’s demands.
Fofana future takes deadline-day twist
Sunderland then moved quickly.
A deal worth around €30m plus add-ons was agreed with Lyon, with Fofana travelling for a medical ahead of a proposed move to Wearside.
However, there has since been another deadline-day twist.
The Times reports Crystal Palace have attempted to hijack Sunderland’s move despite Arsenal having already removed themselves from the race.
That means Fofana’s eventual destination remains worth watching, but Arsenal are no longer expected to sign him.
Arsenal running out of attacking options
The decision leaves Arsenal with increasingly few routes to another attacker before the 11pm deadline.
Martinelli is expected to complete a move to Al-Hilal, while Gabriel Jesus is heading towards Barcelona and Ethan Nwaneri is joining Borussia Dortmund on loan.
Arsenal’s ambitious pursuit of Julian Alvarez therefore remains the biggest potential incoming deal still on the table.
Arteta has already been personally involved in attempting to convince the Atletico Madrid striker, as Read Arsenal reported before deadline day.
Whether Arsenal now make one final push for Alvarez, switch to another target or finish the window without another attacker remains to be seen.
What is now clear is that Fofana will not be that player.
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