Fabrizio Romano has suggested that one player linked with a move to Arsenal this summer could spring one of the surprises of the transfer window, as he is looking set to leave his current club.
Arsenal are looking for the final pieces in the jigsaw as they attempt to get across the line in the Premier League title race – and midfield is one of the areas Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen.
Arsenal are interested in the likes of Douglas Luiz and Bruno Guimaraes amid speculation Thomas Partey could leave the Emirates over the coming months.
But the Gunners are also looking outside the Premier League. Arsenal are one of the sides interested in £30 million-rated Monaco star Youssouf Fofana.
Arsenal target Youssouf Fofana set to move this summer
Fofana has scored four goals and contributed four assists in Ligue 1 this past season. And, while he did not mention Arsenal, Fabrizio Romano has suggested on his YouTube channel that all signs are pointing to Fofana being on the move this summer.
“An important player to watch in the summer transfer window is also Youssouf Fofana, the French national team midfielder for Monaco. He was on the list for Manchester United and Inter last summer, end of August, but Monaco said no to all of the approaches,” he said.
“He’s out of contract in 2025, same as Alphonso Davies, but with a difference. Youssouf Fofana is not even negotiating a new contract with Monaco and the expectation of those close to the player, and the expectation of Monaco is for Youssouf Fofana to leave the club this summer. So Youssouf Fofana can really leave the club.
“What’s going to happen? There is interest from Italy, there is interest from England, there is interest from Germany, so several clubs are keeping an eye on Fofana. There is movement on him, keep an eye on this player, it could be one of the surprises of the summer transfer window.”
Another Gunners target could cost £100 million
The 25-year-old may make the most sense for Edu and Arteta if Arsenal are hoping to make a number of signings in the transfer window.
Bruno Guimaraes could cost as much as £100 million, while Aston Villa are preparing for a Champions League campaign, so they are hardly going to be willing to let Douglas Luiz leave on the cheap.
Monaco will be holding out for as much as possible for Fofana, but his contract situation means that they are not in the strongest position.
Arsenal fans may have reservations about their club not going for their top targets this summer, given how close they came to beating Manchester City to the title.
But the club’s hierarchy may feel Fofana’s contract presents an opportunity too good to turn down.