Arsenal have now turned their attention towards signing Malick Fofana after completing the deal for Eberechi Eze.

The Premier League transfer window has entered its final days, and Arsenal are still looking active. The club have already added several big names this summer, including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres. Apart from this, Eberechi Eze’s deal is almost complete, and his medical is going to take place this week, but reports suggest that Mikel Arteta is in no mood to stop here and now; Lyon’s young winger Malick Fofana has become his next priority, as per L’Equipe.

The matter:

Fofana’s name has been linked to many clubs throughout this summer as Lyon are under financial pressure and they have to raise money by selling players. Due to this, names like Rayan Cherki, Alexandre Lacazette, Nemanja Matic and Lucas Perri have already left the club. Lyon still want to keep hold of the Belgian winger, especially as coach Paulo Fonseca considers him a vital part of the squad. However, the club are demanding €40m and time is running out, so the situation could change quickly.

Both Everton and Nottingham Forest have already shown interest in Fofana. Everton held talks with Lyon and the player’s representatives, while Nottingham Forest even agreed a deal. Yet the 20-year-old turned down both options as his goal has always been Champions League football. That’s why Arsenal and Bayern Munich now appear high on his list. L’Equipe reports that both clubs have him on their shortlist for the final days, and a transfer looks possible.

Arsenal are still trying to sell players such as Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Oleksandr Zinchenko, so the deal could drag on until the last day. The question is whether Fofana will really fit into this squad and whether Lyon can remain competitive without him. Meanwhile, in other news, Rodrygo’s agents are travelling to England for a possible Arsenal or Liverpool move.

Will Fofana and Arsenal be a good match?

Now, as far as opinions are concerned, Fofana’s style could be an interesting addition to Arsenal. Viktor Gyokeres is a powerful centre-forward, and Eberechi Eze brings creativity, while Fofana could bring a different balance on the wing with his speed and direct playing style. Arteta has always been looking for players who can surprise opponents in transition, and Fofana’s “explosive” identity fits that role.

Lyon, on the other hand, are in a complicated situation. Paulo Fonseca wants the team to remain competitive, but the club have bigger financial constraints. An offer of €40m would probably make it hard for them to ignore. In the long term, Lyon could gain stability from this sale, but in the short term, it would weaken the squad.

Now the question also arises as to which club would be a better choice for the player. Bayern Munich are a stable and title-winning project, where he will get a solid platform in the Champions League. Arsenal are currently working on a youth project, and the Premier League has a different appeal. Here, he is more likely to get minutes, and there is also scope for development. In my opinion, Arsenal can prove to be a more adventurous and beneficial option for Fofana because, in Arteta’s system, he can contribute immediately and make the team’s pace more dangerous. Meanwhile, here is why Eberezhi Eze snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal.