Fofana has scored 19 goals in 83 appearances for the French side, including netting twice in five appearances this term. ARNAUD FINISTRE / AFP via Getty Images
Aug. 31, 2026 Updated 3:35 pm EDT
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Arsenal are weighing up a move to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Fofana, who has been on Arsenal’s radar and has spoken to Mikel Arteta, presents a possible market opportunity after Lyon missed out on qualification for the league phase of this season’s Champions League.
The 21-year-old has scored 19 goals in 83 appearances for the French side, including netting twice in five appearances this term — against Fenerbahce in Lyon’s Champions League playoff loss, and in a Ligue 1 victory over Toulouse.
Arsenal’s interest in Fofana comes with Gabriel Martinelli set to join Al Hilal in a €70million (£60m) agreement and Gabriel Jesus closing in on a move to Barcelona, with advanced talks over a €10m (£8.5m; $11.6m) deal.
The north London club have already signed one left-sided attacker this summer in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, following Leandro Trossard’s departure to Besiktas.
Arsenal explored an ambitious move for Vinicius Junior before the Brazil star opted instead to remain at Real Madrid by signing a new long-term contract in the Spanish capital.
Tzolis started the Premier League-opening win over Coventry City a week ago after an impressive pre-season with Fofana now emerging as a further option under consideration ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
Last summer, Chelsea made a verbal enquiry for Belgium international Fofana and Everton held talks over a possible move.
Fofana joined Lyon from Belgian side Gent in January 2024 under a contract that lasts until June 2028.
The winger emerged through Gent’s academy in his native Belgium, making his senior debut in July 2022. He went on to play 64 games for the club, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists, before joining Lyon for €17million.
Fofana has scored one goal in five appearances for Belgium, but was not part of his nation’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Aug 31, 2026
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