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Arsenal considering late bid for Lyon winger Malick Fofana
Arjun Pillai | September 1, 2026 8:10 PM CST

Arsenal are considering a late approach for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to The Athletic.

The Gunners are in the market for a new left-winger and are looking at the 21-year-old Belgium star as another attacking option before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

Arsenal have been monitoring his development, and manager Mikel Arteta is believed to have held talks with the Belgium international.

Fofana could be an appealing opportunity for Arsenal after Lyon failed to qualify for the league phase of the Champions League.

The winger has begun the new season in excellent form, scoring twice in five appearances.

Arsenal are set to lose Gabriel Martinelli, who is expected to join Al Hilal, while Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to a move to Barcelona.

Arsenal have already added to the left side this summer by signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, while Leandro Trossard has also departed.

Tzolis started the Premier League opening win after an encouraging pre-season and looks a very exciting addition, but the squad still needs depth.

Fofana has scored 19 goals in 83 appearances for the French club since arriving for €17m in January 2024.

The potential move may leave some Arsenal supporters feeling underwhelmed.

There is no question that Fofana is an exciting young talent with significant room for growth, but the direction of Arsenal's pursuit has shifted considerably.

The Gunners were first linked with genuine top-end talents such as Vinicius Junior before names like Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola also came into the frame.

Now, with the deadline drawing near, Arsenal could end up putting their trust in a player who remains very much a developing talent rather than an established elite-level winger.

That does not mean Fofana would be a poor signing, far from it. His pace, direct running and potential make him an interesting addition.

Even so, Arsenal fans will understandably expect more from Andrea Berta after such ambitious targets, and the sporting director could be met with some disappointed reactions.


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