Arsenal speak to Malick Fofana over potential move
The Lyon winger has held a conversation with Mikel Arteta, and is on Arsenal’s list as they assess a late-window opportunity after the French club’s Champions League exit.
Arsenal are assessing a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana and have spoken to the 21-year-old ahead of the transfer deadline, David Ornstein reported on Monday. The contact forms part of the club’s late-window planning rather than a completed push.
Fofana is on Arsenal’s shortlist and is regarded as a market opportunity following Lyon’s exit from the Champions League, the report adds. The timing reflects the London club’s search for options they could activate quickly if they decide to strengthen in wide areas.
At this stage the dialogue is exploratory rather than advanced negotiation. No bid, fee or agreement has been disclosed.
The report also says the player has spoken directly with Mikel Arteta, indicating that any interest has progressed to at least a preliminary conversation with the head coach as Arsenal weigh whether to proceed before the window closes.
Fofana, a Belgium international, plays predominantly as a winger for Lyon. His age profile and availability after Lyon’s European exit are seen as factors that could make a deal viable late in the window, though any transfer would still require an agreement with the French side.
If Arsenal choose to advance their interest, talks with Lyon would need to move quickly to meet the deadline, and the situation could develop at short notice. For now, the indications point to monitoring and early contact rather than a move that is close.