Arsenal have now entered talks to sign a powerhouse midfielder who Cesc Fabregas once helped realise his potential.
Signing a striker and a midfielder is thought to be top of Mikel Arteta’s priorities at the Emirates this summer.
Given how excellent Arsenal were at times this season, it is difficult to decide where this squad needs to improve most, given they were strong in all aspects.
But having ultimately won nothing, Arteta knows that his team can’t stand still, and to beat a Pep Guardiola side to the title, there’s not even much room to bed in young players.
The recent disconnect to the Hale End Academy has been a concern among fans, but Arteta’s team have so little room for error right now, meaning the manager’s decision to over look young talents can be understood.
And with that in mind, Arsenal are likely to buy players who can contribute immediately once again this summer.
And according to reports in France, Arsenal are now pursuing interest in Monaco’s 25-year-old, Youssouf Fofana.
Arsenal now in talks to sign Youssouf Fofana who will leave Monaco this summer
Having been confirmed in France’s squad for this summer’s Euros, L’Equipe are reporting that Fofana is set to leave Monaco, who he joined in 2020.
Arsenal are one of four clubs who have already had discussions with Fofana’s entourage, including AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Perhaps Arsenal are therefore envisioning Fofana as a Thomas Partey replacement, with reports that Partey will leave Arsenal this summer.
Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes are also thought to be highly regarded, but perhaps Fofana represents a better-value alternative.
It was recently reported that Fofana could be available for as little as £17m this summer despite his talent.
Fabregas helped Fofana at Monaco and wanted him to sign for Liverpool
Having played alongside Fofana at Monaco, Cesc Fabregas said that Thierry Henry once asked him to help ‘grow’ the young talent at the club.
That included Fofana and the likes of Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni at the time.
And when speaking to RMC Sport in 2022, Fabregas admitted that he would have liked Fofana to sign for Liverpool or Bayern Munich.
He shared: “When I came, Thierry and Vadim [Vasilyev] also asked me to help grow the young people. It was an important point. Today, I feel like I have won the respect and sympathy of this younger generation.
“I hope I have helped. We like each other. I will continue to follow them, exchange with them. I would like to see Fofana, [Sofiane] Diop or Tchouameni at Bayern or Liverpool.”
Of course, following this latest transfer news, Fabregas will likely be equally as keen to see Fofana join the Gunners.
Fofana is famed for his ‘physical’ style, a high-energy, aggressive midfielder who is very strong in duels.
All that being said, fans can catch up on all of the latest Arsenal transfer news on Arsenal Insider’s podcast, Cannon Fire.
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