Arsenal are considering a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana as Mikel Arteta’s side continue their search for a new left-sided attacking option.
Fofana, 21, has returned to action after recovering from a serious ankle injury that ruled him out for roughly six months and brought his 2025-26 season to an abrupt end.
The Belgium international had been beginning to establish himself before the injury interrupted his progress. He is now back to full fitness and has resumed an influential role for Lyon, scoring twice in six appearances so far this season.
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Arsenal are assessing whether to make an approach for the winger. The Premier League champions are understood to be keen to strengthen on the left after missing out on several other targets, including Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Bradley Barcola.
Fofana is reportedly very interested in joining Arsenal, while Lyon are facing strong financial pressure to sell. The French club need to raise funds to balance their accounts after failing to qualify for the league phase of the Champions League.
That combination could make a transfer possible, although Arsenal’s interest remains at the stage of considering a move rather than having reached an agreement with Lyon.
Fofana’s return comes after a difficult period in which his development was halted by the ankle problem. Before being sidelined, the Belgian had been making progress and showing why he attracted attention from clubs elsewhere. His two goals since returning have provided an early indication that he has regained his place in Lyon’s plans.
A move to Arsenal would represent a significant opportunity for the winger, who is said to be keen on the possibility. Arteta’s team have already seen attempts to recruit other attacking players fail, with Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Barcola all mentioned among the players they missed out on.
Fofana was also the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. Palace came close to reaching an agreement with Lyon for the winger, but the transfer did not happen because Fofana was not interested in moving to Selhurst Park.
Lyon’s need to sell, Fofana’s reported desire to join Arsenal and the Premier League club’s requirement for a left winger could therefore become important factors in any potential negotiations. For now, Arsenal are weighing up the move as Fofana continues his return to regular football.