OL and AC Milan discuss loan move with option for Youssouf Fofana

Olympique Lyonnais and AC Milan are in talks about a potential midfield boost: Youssouf Fofana. As L'Équipe reports, the plan would be a loan with an option to buy, but nothing has been finalized between the three parties.

Loan talks, not sealed

The push comes after Sky Sport Italia revealed earlier this Monday that Fofana could land at OL. The OL line targets a solution for Paulo Fonseca’s midfield and, according to the coverage, his profile—athletic and suited to that role—fits what the coach wants.

The player, 27, is also motivated to change clubs this summer. Still, L'Équipe stresses that Fofana has not made his final choice and that there is no agreement in place.

Lyon needs to sell first

The sticking point is Lyon’s internal constraints. The last hours have been focused more on cutting costs, and the article states that, to be able to cover part of Fofana’s very high salary, OL would likely need to first move out an existing squad member.

Specifically, the possibility is linked to Tanner Tessmann being sold. On top of that, it’s noted that OL’s payroll is regulated by the DNCG, which makes a prior departure more likely before any payment structure for Fofana can be arranged.