Arsenal is poised to secure the signing of Youssouf Fofana, the Monaco midfielder who once turned down Manchester United and was advised by Cesc Fabregas to join Liverpool. The French international, who was heavily linked with West Ham United last year, now appears set to become Declan Rice’s new midfield partner at the Emirates.
Fofana, 25, has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United. Last summer, United made an approach, but the versatile midfielder opted to stay at Monaco, a decision praised by Monaco’s sporting director Thiago Scuro. “He deserves most of the credit,” Scuro told Nice Matin. “(Fofana) believes in our project and made the decision to stay longer at Monaco to continue his development. He has big ambitions with the French team and AS Monaco.”
With Fofana entering the final year of his contract, a move this summer seems increasingly likely. Among his admirers is former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, who spent two years playing alongside Fofana at Monaco and offered him guidance. Fabregas believed Fofana would thrive at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp’s intense playing style. “I would like to see Fofana, (Sofiane) Diop, or (Aurelien) Tchouameni at Bayern or Liverpool!” Fabregas told RMC Sport in 2022.
As Fofana prepares for Euro 2024 with the French national team, he has hinted at a potential move away from Monaco. “I have spoken about it with the hierarchy, it isn’t a secret,” he said in a recent press conference. “We had exchanges and they agreed to accompany me in this new stage. If [a move] doesn’t happen, I still have a year left and I will be happy to stay.”
Arsenal’s pursuit of Fofana signals their intent to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new season. With the player’s focus currently on the European Championship, any official announcement will likely follow the conclusion of the tournament.