Arsenal have been linked with a range of players in the transfer window as Mikel Arteta aims to complete his perfect midfield trio.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard have been standout performers for Arsenal, but the question remains over who will join them in the midfield three.
Jorginho performed well last season, and has extended his contract by another year, but he cannot be a starter every week given his age and physical limitations.
Thomas Partey looks likely to leave given his injury struggles, and a solution at the base of midfield is needed to allow Rice and Odegaard to push forward.
Premier League pair Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz have been linked, but both midfielders come with huge price tags, perhaps beyond what their ability makes them worth, but Arteta may have a bargain solution available to him in Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana.
Youssouf Fofana could be solution to Arsenal midfield transfer dilemma
The 25-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at Monaco, and Fofana could be available for £30m this summer.
The Frenchman brings a physical edge, standing at over six feet tall, whilst also bringing supreme ability on the ball, ranking in the top 5% of European midfielders for progressive passes.
Fofana’s dribbling ability, which ranks him in the top 11% of midfielders for take-ons, can help replace Partey’s influence at the base of midfield, and gives Arsenal a warrior in the middle who can evade pressure and progress the ball forward.
Cesc Fabregas gives verdict on Arsenal target Youssouf Fofana
Former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas played alongside Fofana in his spell at Monaco, and he has now praised the midfielder, but did share a potential transfer blow for Arteta.
“Yes, of course, I played with him (at Monaco),” he told Planet Premier League.
“Funnily enough, I never heard about Manchester United. I heard he was going to AC Milan because (Paulo) Fonseca is going to go there from France and they know him. Let’s see where he goes.
“[He is] a very dynamic strong player. Good on the ball. A modern type of player. Aggressive and he can jump. He’s a box-to-box. I really like Fofana and I think he fits very well in the Premier League.”
If Arsenal cannot land their top target in Martin Zubimendi, Fofana could be a cut-price alternative, and one which suits Arteta more than the more expensive Douglas Luiz.