A rumoured Arsenal transfer target has publicly admitted he wants a move this summer following reports that the Gunners have now opened talks.
The transfer window is just shy of two weeks from opening for business as Arsenal look to flex their newfound reputation in a big way this summer, with Mikel Arteta keen to add to his promising squad.
Having finished just two points shy of the Premier League title, Arsenal are not far off from potentially overtaking Manchester City if they can get this summer’s transfer dealings right, with an attacker and a midfielder on the agenda.
And a rumoured target for the Emirates Stadium side has now publically claimed he is open to a transfer this summer.
Youssouf Fofana says he wants to leave AS Monaco with Arsenal interested
Speaking at a press conference, AS Monaco star Youssouf Fofana revealed that he wants to move on this summer from the Ligue 1 giants, with the 25-year-old helping the Monegasques qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
With news breaking this week that Arsenal are in talks to sign the French international, the timing of Fofana’s comments might not be a coincidence, with the Gunners seemingly eager to sign a new midfielder before the start of the 2024 Euros.
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Indeed, reports suggest that Thomas Partey is due to leave Arsenal this summer, and Fofana could be the ideal replacement for the Ghanaian, with the Monaco midfielder saying during his press conference when asked if he is leaving this summer: “I have spoken about it with the hierarchy, it isn’t a secret.
“We had exchanges and they agreed to accompany me in this new stage. If [a move] doesn’t happen, I still have a year left and I will be happy to stay. We were in agreement that we would accompany each other in this process in which everyone should be a winner, be it me or the club.”
Fofana could be the perfect first signing for the Gunners
With Declan Rice thriving in the left-sided no. 8 role, a new deep-lying midfielder to anchor the central trio will be pivotal for Arsenal in next season’s quest to win the Premier League.
And in Fofana, Arsenal could have the perfect first signing of the summer transfer window, with the £30m-rated Monaco star someone who fits the bill for what Arteta is looking for in a midfield recruit in the off-season.
With Fofana also part of France’s squad for the Euros, agreeing a deal before the tournament could save Arsenal millions if the midfielder impresses out in Germany, with Les Bleus expected to go far in the competition.