Arsenal are considering a move for 21-year-old Lyon winger Malick Fofana before the summer transfer window closes, according to The Athletic.
Fofana is already known to Arsenal and has previously spoken with manager Mikel Arteta. The London club’s interest has reportedly grown after Lyon failed to qualify for the league phase of the Champions League.
The Belgium winger has scored twice in five appearances so far this season. His goals came against Fenerbahce in Champions League qualifying and Toulouse in Ligue 1.
Fofana has made 83 appearances for Lyon since joining the French club from Gent in January 2024. He has scored 19 goals during that time.
Arsenal are assessing whether to pursue the transfer as the summer window approaches its conclusion. Fofana’s existing agreement with Lyon runs until June 2028, meaning the French club hold a long-term contract with the player.
The reported interest follows Lyon’s failure to secure a place in the main stage of the Champions League, a development which has increased Arsenal’s attention in Fofana’s situation. The winger had already been on the club’s radar and his previous contact with Arteta is another part of the background to Arsenal’s consideration.
Fofana moved to Lyon from Gent for a fee of 17m euros in January 2024. Since then, he has established a record of 19 goals in 83 matches for the club.
His early-season scoring record includes a goal in European qualifying and another in domestic competition. The two strikes have come in five matches, as Arsenal continue to evaluate the possibility of bringing him to London before the transfer window shuts.
No agreement between Arsenal and Lyon has been reported. However, the London club are considering whether to make an approach for a player who remains under contract in France until June 2028.
For Lyon, Fofana’s current deal provides contractual security after his arrival from Gent. For Arsenal, the Belgian’s age, experience at Lyon and involvement in both Ligue 1 and Champions League qualifying are factors in their interest.
The Athletic’s report identifies Fofana as a potential late addition for Arsenal, with the club now weighing up the possibility of a transfer before the end of the summer window.