Arsenal moves ahead in race for OL winger Malick Fofana

Arsenal are pushing hard for OL winger Malick Fofana. According to L'Équipe, the Premier League club has begun direct discussions with the player’s entourage while it prepares to sell Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal.

Direct talks underway

The deal fits the urgent situation at OL. The French club is looking to complete at least two major sales before the end of the window, and Fofana is described as its key asset. In that context, OL are expecting €40m for the 21-year-old.

Fofana’s next step possible

Italian media had been linking Fofana to AS Roma for over a week, but the same report adds that Roma has not yet contacted OL. Still, the winger’s profile matches the needs of several English sides, particularly those searching for a left winger.

L'Équipe also points to other suitors in England: Sunderland and Hull City were among the natural candidates after also previously targeting Igor Paixao, and Crystal Palace could join depending on what happens with Ismaïla Sarr, whose potential move would be a different chain of negotiations. Even so, the clearest signal right now is the level of contact from Arsenal—the club has stepped up talks with Fofana’s entourage in recent hours.

With Arsenal planning to numerically replace Martinelli, and with the Martinelli-to-Al-Hilal operation set at €70m, OL remains in a precarious balance until the market closes. The next decision on Fofana could be decisive.