Arsenal Open Talks With Lyon Winger Malick Fofana's Camp

Arsenal's Late Move

Arsenal have opened direct talks with the representatives of Malick Fofana, the 21-year-old left winger who plays for the French club Olympique Lyonnais, according to L'Equipe.

The French newspaper reports that the discussions with the player's entourage have been running for several hours and that Lyon are looking for around 40 million euros. Arsenal, the reigning English champions, had not made a formal offer to Lyon at the time of reporting.

Circus Daily, citing the journalist Fabrice Hawkins, reports that Arsenal made first contact with the French club to assess whether a deal is feasible. Foot Mercato reports that Fofana has already spoken with the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Why Arsenal Need a Winger

Arsenal are selling Gabriel Martinelli to the Saudi club Al-Hilal, a move L'Equipe values at 70 million euros. Leandro Trossard has also left.

That leaves Christos Tzolis, the 24-year-old Greek forward Arsenal signed this summer, as the main option on the left flank. Foot Mercato reports the club want a second winger to rotate with him.

L'Equipe notes that Fofana and Martinelli share the same representative, Roc Nation. Fofana is under contract with Lyon until June 2028.

Lyon's Position and the Rejected Suitors

Foot Mercato reports that Lyon must sell because the club failed to reach the Champions League, losing a play-off to Fenerbahce by 1-1 and 1-2, and are being monitored by football's financial regulator.

Lyon's sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean said it was possible Fofana stays, adding: "There are several clubs active on Malick but we have a plan and we will stick to it." He said the club had four days to adapt its situation and had to sell.

Fofana, who has five caps and one goal for Belgium and previously played for La Gantoise, refused to consider Sunderland and Hull City, according to Foot Mercato, and Crystal Palace also failed to persuade him. Circus Daily reports a deal with AS Roma collapsed after the Italian club signed Rodrigo Mora.

Lyon have lined up replacements. AntiChambre, citing Foot Mercato, reports the club are looking at Keito Nakamura, the Japan international winger at Stade de Reims who scored 11 goals in the 2024-2025 season. Whether any transfer is completed is not yet known.