Malick Fofana: Arsenal explore deal for surprise new target ahead of Deadline Day | OneFootball

Gunners remain keen to strengthen forward line as transfer deadline rapidly approaching

The Gunners have been approached and offered the 21-year-old, who Standard Sport understands would be keen to join the Premier League champions.

However, it is unclear how strong Arsenal's interest in Fofana is ahead of Tuesday night's deadline.

Christos Tzolis has hit the ground running in an Arsenal shirt but Mikel Arteta and the club are still open to strengthening further in attack.

Julian Alvarez remains the dream signing, but he and his representatives have not provided the Gunners with encouragement that he wants to join the club.

That could still change but time is running out and Arsenal are exploring other options.

Fofana has emerged as a candidate after being presented to the club, having previously been linked with Sunderland and Crystal Palace this summer.

There is the possibility that Arsenal opt not to make a further signing in forward areas in the final hours of the window and instead to trust the current group of players.

Eberechi Eze came off the bench against Coventry to play on the left wing and would likely be used more in that position this season.

That would also open the door for Ethan Nwaneri to be handed minutes centrally as deputy to Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal have been willing to put together huge financial packages this summer for players they believe would take the club to the next level.

That was the case for Vinicius Jr, until he opted to stay at Real Madrid, and they would make a serious move for Alvarez if given the green light from the Argentine.

However, Arsenal do not have pressing concerns with the squad as it is and will not make further additions for the sake of it.

That is despite Gabriel Martinelli being on the verge of completing his move to Al-Hilal, and Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira also heading for the exit door on Deadline Day.