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Arsenal interested in signing Monaco ace Fofana

By on June 27, 2023

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing AS Monaco ace Youssouf Fofana in this transfer window, as per the French outlet L’Equipe.

It is an open secret that the Gunners have prioritised revamping their engine room this summer and have identified Declan Rice as their primary target.

The North London club have submitted two official bids worth up to £90m to sign the Englishman but West Ham have rejected both offers and are asking a fee of around £100m.

In addition, Manchester City have now joined the race to sign Rice and their opening £90m proposal has also been turned down by the Hammers so, it is apparent that it will be difficult for Arsenal to sign the 24-year-old. Nevertheless, it has been suggested that despite the Citizens’ recent interest, Arsenal are the favourite to sign the midfielder this summer.

Meanwhile, according to the report by L’Equipe, Arsenal are showing an interest in signing Fofana and they could make a concrete approach to sign him if the Gunners fail to secure a deal for Rice this summer.

Fofana to Arsenal

However, the report claims that Arsenal are set to face tough competition from Newcastle United in getting any potential deal done for Fofana as the Magpies are also eyeing a move for him.

The Frenchman is set to enter the final year of his current contract and hasn’t signed an extension with the Ligue 1 club yet. So, if he doesn’t sign a renewal over the coming weeks then Monaco could opt to cash-in in fear of losing him for free.

It has been suggested that the French club are ready to sell the player for a fee of around £26m[€30m]. So, Arsenal could manage to sign the midfielder for an affordable fee if they formalise their interest.

It has been reported that along with Rice, Arsenal are interested in signing Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia as well so, it appears Fofana is way down on Mikel Arteta’s wish-list.

Fofana is a deep-lying midfielder but can also play the box-to-box role. He is strong, dynamic, good at defensive contributions and also can read the game well.

The 24-year-old is a talented player and would be a solid acquisition for Arsenal if they decide to sign him this summer. However, the North Londoners wouldn’t want to miss out on signing their key target, Rice in this transfer window.