Al Nassr and Al Ittihad step up pursuit of Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana in €20m deal

Al Nassr and Al Ittihad have opened a fresh transfer battle in the Saudi Pro League after both clubs identified AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana as a key summer target, according to reports in Italy.

Italian outlet Calciomercato says the two Saudi sides have placed the France international on their shortlist and are exploring a move before the end of the current transfer window.

Fofana, 27, had appeared close to joining Besiktas in recent days, with the Turkish club viewed as the frontrunner for his signature. However, the late intervention of Al Nassr and Al Ittihad has complicated those negotiations and placed the Saudi duo firmly in contention.

Milan open to sale at the right price

Milan are understood not to be opposed to parting with Fofana this summer, but only if their valuation is met.

The Serie A club are seeking a fee of at least €20m and are now looking to push that figure higher after Al Nassr and Al Ittihad formally entered the race. The increased competition is expected to strengthen Milan’s bargaining position as they assess offers for the midfielder.

Fofana joined Milan from Monaco in the summer of 2024 and quickly established himself as an important part of the team. He made 36 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring two goals and providing four assists.

Al Nassr searching for Brozovic replacement

Al Nassr are in the market for a defensive midfielder following the departure of Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic at the end of last season.

The Riyadh club have already moved close to signing Portugal midfielder Samu Costa from Real Mallorca as part of their midfield rebuild. Fofana is being considered as another option to bolster the centre of the pitch, with his experience in Serie A and Ligue 1 viewed as a potential asset.

Recruiting a player capable of operating in a deep midfield role is regarded as a priority for Al Nassr as they attempt to strengthen their squad for the new campaign and maintain their challenge domestically and in continental competition.

Al Ittihad also targeting holding midfielder

Al Ittihad, similarly, are seeking a player in the same position after Brazilian midfielder Fabinho left the club at the end of last season.

The Jeddah side have been linked with several candidates to fill that vacancy, including Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia and Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika. Fofana has now emerged as another prominent name under consideration as Al Ittihad weigh up their options.

Both Saudi clubs are expected to continue talks with Milan and the player’s representatives as they try to convince Fofana to choose the Saudi Pro League over a move to Turkey with Besiktas.

With Milan open to a sale at the right price and multiple clubs in the frame, the France midfielder’s future is likely to be one of the more closely watched transfer stories as the current window progresses.