Arsenal have now learned when Mikel Arteta and Edu can expect an answer from AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana with the Gunners very interested in his transfer.
The north London giants are among the clubs scattered across Europe to show an interest in a possible move. Fofana has put teams on notice with his leading role in the engine room at Monaco. He is also offering the Ligue 1 side a creative threat from the base of their midfield.
Arteta and Edu are actively looking for players who can offer Arsenal what Fofana delivers in the Principality. They feel the Gunners must invest in their midfield once again having signed Declan Rice last summer given Thomas Partey has endured yet another injury-plagued term.
Arsenal are interested in signing Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco
Fofana has emerged as a potential target who can solve Arteta’s search for a new midfielder at Arsenal in the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old has anchored Monaco’s core in 29 of their 31 Ligue 1 games this season. He has also registered three goals plus four assists.
The 17-cap France international has also captained Les Monegasques in a number of games throughout the term. So, reports by Foot Mercato have noted that Arsenal are interested in signing Fofana. But Arteta could face a lot of competition to seal a move for the Paris native.
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Fofana has also drawn interest from AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain with his performances for Monaco. His leadership and ability to break the lines have stood out to a number of coaches as the 6ft enforcer will also enter the final year of his contract this July.
Youssouf Fofana will not discuss a transfer until after Euro 2024
Arsenal et al are very interested in Fofana given his contractual situation as they target new midfielders who are strong in the duel. But Arteta and Edu could have to wait until after this summer’s European Championship to learn if Fofana is as interested in a transfer to Arsenal.
Fofana is yet to speak with Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro about his future. The pair have also agreed to put any talks about a new contract or his transfer away on hold until this summer. Fofana will also delay the meeting until after Euro 2024 if he makes France’s squad.
“We haven’t yet spoken about it with the sporting director,” Fofana said, via the Mirror. “He will allow me to finish the season so that there aren’t too many things in my head and if I then go to the Euros with the France national team, we will speak about it upon my return.
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“We haven’t dwelt on it… We’ll see what happens when we come back for pre-season.”
Arteta and Edu will likely have to wait until after Euro 2024 to learn if Fofana is interested in a transfer from Monaco to Arsenal, then. Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps has included the midfielder in every squad since awarding Fofana his senior France debut in September 2022.