Arsenal are weighing a late move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana as they continue to assess their attacking options before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, 1 September.
The 21-year-old Belgium international has emerged as a possible alternative target for the Gunners, who are understood to have made enquiries about the feasibility of a deal. Fofana can operate on either flank and has attracted interest from several leading European clubs.
Arsenal remain interested in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with the club working to make a potential move to London more straightforward for the 26-year-old and his representatives.
Any agreement for Alvarez is expected to be complicated. Atletico are reluctant to lose the Argentina international and have reportedly set a substantial valuation, while Barcelona have also maintained an interest in signing him.
Sky Sports has reported that Atletico would prefer not to sell Alvarez to Barcelona, potentially leaving Arsenal as the most realistic alternative should the player decide to leave Madrid before the deadline.
Fofana is understood to be a more attainable option, although Arsenal have not yet made a formal offer and no agreement has been reached with Lyon. The club are believed to be willing to add another forward only if the deal is considered to represent a clear improvement to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal’s late activity comes as Premier League clubs prepare for the transfer window to shut at 11pm on Tuesday. The London club must now decide whether to pursue Fofana, intensify their efforts to sign Alvarez, or retain their current attacking group for the remainder of the season.
