Arsenal open talks for Malick Fofana as Lyon seek €40m | OneFootball

Arsenal have moved into pole position for Lyon winger Malick Fofana as they weigh a replacement for Gabriel Martinelli. Lyon want around €40m for the 21-year-old.

According to L'Équipe, Arsenal are negotiating directly with Fofana’s camp, with Martinelli’s sale to Al-Hilal for about €70m advancing.

Lyon need at least two major sales before the window shuts and are banking on their most valuable asset. Fofana had been linked with Roma for more than a week, yet the Serie A club have not contacted Lyon. A Premier League move is now possible.

Sunderland and Hull City are natural contenders and had also looked at Marseille’s Igor Paixao. Crystal Palace could enter the frame if Ismaïla Sarr prevails in his push to join Liverpool. But the reigning champions could yet win the race.

Fofana and Martinelli share representatives in Roc Nation, which has been active in this role after renewing Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid, once courted by Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has approved the profile and Lyon view the latest signals as encouraging. An offer still needs to arrive and match Lyon’s valuation, with the Belgian under contract to June 2028.

Source: L'Équipe

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