Arsenal turn to Malick Fofana as Martinelli exit opens late transfer window

Arsenal are considering a late move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana as they assess their attacking options ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a potential target for the north London club, having already been on Arsenal’s radar and held discussions with manager Mikel Arteta. His situation at Lyon could also make a deal more attainable, with the French club missing out on qualification for the league phase of this season’s Champions League.

Fofana has started the new campaign in promising fashion, scoring twice in five appearances. His goals came against Fenerbahce in Lyon’s Champions League playoff defeat and in the Ligue 1 victory over Toulouse.

Martinelli exit creates room for another attacker

Arsenal’s interest has intensified as their attacking department undergoes significant change.

Gabriel Martinelli is set to leave the club for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal after Arsenal agreed a €70million (£60m) deal for the Brazil international. Gabriel Jesus is also nearing the exit, with Barcelona in advanced discussions over a €10m (£8.5m; $11.6m) transfer.

The departures would leave Arsenal with further room to strengthen their forward line, despite already adding Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge this summer.

Tzolis was brought in as a left-sided attacking option following Leandro Trossard’s move to Besiktas and started Arsenal’s Premier League-opening victory over Coventry City after impressing during pre-season.

Fofana could now provide another option for Arteta, although Arsenal are yet to make a final decision on whether to pursue the Belgian before the deadline.

Fofana has attracted Premier League interest

Fofana is not a new name to Premier League clubs. Chelsea made a verbal enquiry about the winger last summer, while Everton also held discussions regarding a potential transfer.

His development has continued since leaving Belgium, where he came through Gent’s academy and made his senior debut in July 2022.

Fofana went on to make 64 appearances for Gent, scoring five goals and registering 10 assists before Lyon secured his signature in January 2024 for €17million. He signed a contract that runs until June 2028.

The winger has since scored 19 goals in 83 appearances for Lyon, establishing himself as one of the club’s notable attacking talents.

Arsenal previously explored Vinicius move

Fofana’s emergence as an option comes after Arsenal explored a much more ambitious move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.

The Premier League club considered pursuing the Brazil star, but Vinicius ultimately decided to remain in Madrid after agreeing a new long-term contract with the Spanish giants.

Fofana, meanwhile, has represented Belgium extensively at youth level, earning more than 20 appearances before making his senior debut in October 2024. He has one senior cap to his name.

With Tuesday’s deadline approaching, Arsenal must now determine whether Fofana is the player capable of strengthening Arteta’s attack following the imminent departures of Martinelli and Jesus.