According to today’s reports, Arsenal are targeting Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco as a potential midfield option this summer.
The Gunners are set for a complete midfield rebuild ahead of next season with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey expected to leave the club this summer. It’s looking increasingly likely Mikel Arteta will have a completely new midfield at his disposal for the 2023/24 campaign.
Thomas Partey is attracting interest from Europe, as well as Saudi Arabia, with the player weighing up his options ahead of a potential move away from North London this summer.
Arsenal are very active early on in the transfer window with Kai Havertz the Gunners’ first signing of the summer, followed by deals being negotiated for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.
Arsenal are targeting Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
READ MORE:Â Arsenal wages for potential new signing has been revealed.
However the Gunners aren’t done there with Mikel Arteta wanting two new central midfielders added to his side ahead of next season. One option Arsenal are looking at is Romeo Lavia from Southampton, however the 19-year-old could be deemed too expensive with the Saints putting a £50million price tag on the Belgian’s head.
Therefore Arsenal have begun exploring other options with AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana seen as a potential option to replace Thomas Partey. According to a report from L’Equipe, Arsenal is the latest club to demonstrate an interest in Fofana, with the 24-year-old midfielder being monitored by many clubs around Europe this summer.
West Ham has been a prominent contender for Fofana’s signature in recent months, considering him a suitable replacement for Rice. However, the report indicates that both Arsenal and Newcastle have also joined the race to secure his services before the conclusion of the current transfer window.
AS Monaco have gained a reputation for selling their top talents, and it is anticipated that they would allow Fofana to depart this summer as long as their valuation of the player is met. The players’ current market value is between £20m-£30m.
Youssouf Fofana made 36 appearances for Monaco in Ligue One during the 2022/23 campaign. The Frenchman scored two goals and recorded two assists in the league last season. His current contract with AS Monaco expires at the end of next season, however the French club do have an option to extend his deal by a further year.
NEXT ARTICLE:Â Chelsea make offer to sign Arsenal young star this summer.
