France star gives Arsenal hope of summer deal amid £26m transfer speculation
Arsenal are in a four-way tussle for Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal transfer target Youssouf Fofana has refused to rule out a move away from Monaco in the summer, admitting his future could hinge on whether or not the club secure Champions League qualification.
The Gunners are keen to strengthen their options in midfield ahead of their 2024/25 campaign and have identified Fofana as a potential solution in the middle of the park to ease the load on the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Fofana has been one of the standout central midfielders in Ligue 1 this term, with the side sitting second in the table behind champions Paris Saint-Germain, but speculation has been mounting that the 25-year-old could be set for the exit door at the Stade Louis II.
The Frenchman – capped 17 times by his country – had looked likely to depart last year before deciding to stay put for another season, despite strong interest from Fulham.
According to Foot Mercato, PSG, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Arsenal are all keeping tabs on Fofana and the sought-after midfielder has left the door open to a possible departure in the summer.
Asked for an update on his future, Fofana told Get French Football News: ‘We haven’t yet spoken about it with the sporting director.
‘He will allow me to finish the season so that there aren’t too many things in my head and if I then go to the Euros with the France national team, we will speak about it upon my return. We haven’t dwelt on it.’
Fofana has been capped 17 times by the France national team (Picture: Getty)
Fofana – who is reportedly valued at around €30million (£26m) – hinted that his decision could ultimately be dependent on where second-placed Monaco finish in the table this term.
As of this season, the top four teams in Ligue 1 will seal qualification for the Champions League, with the top three proceeding directly to the group phase.
‘Qualification for the Champions League could be important,’ Fofana added.
‘As I said, we haven’t dwelt on it. We’ll see what happens when we come back for pre-season.’
Fofana has just over a year remaining on his current contract, meaning Monaco must decide whether to cash in on the midfielder this summer or risk losing him on a free transfer in 12 months time.
The France international has been with the Principality club since January 2020, when he completed a €15m (£13m) switch from Strasbourg.
Named in Didier Deschamps’ France party for the side’s recent friendly matches against Germany and Chile, Fofana is hopeful of keeping his place in the squad for this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
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