Arsenal have lined up Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana as a possible alternative if they fail to complete a deal for Declan Rice.
The Gunners have had three bids rejected for the West Ham skipper, the last of which was for a fee of £75 million plus £15million in add-ons.
However, the Hammers are holding out for a £100million fee for the player, and although Arsenal are preparing a further bid for Rice, they are targeting alternatives in case a deal can't be done for the England man.
Boss Mikel Arteta sees the midfield as a key area he wants to improve this summer and has identified Fofana as another option in the middle.
According to French outlet L'Equipe (via GGFN), Arsenal have joined the race for the French midfielder but could face competition for his signature.
Newcastle have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, along with Serie A sides Inter and Roma, while West Ham have also been credited with an interest in Fofana as a potential replacement for when Rice departs.
Reports suggest Fofana would be allowed to leave the French club, if a bid of around £30million is received. However, so no offers have been made for the player.
Defensive midfielder Fofana was a key member of Monaco's side last season, making 47 appearances and scoring two goals.
He has won 10 caps for France and was part of their 2022 World Cup squad, starting in the semi-final win over Morocco and playing 25 minutes in the final after coming off the bench.
Arsenal's interest comes with the news that Manchester City have entered the race for Declan Rice and could be about to rival the Gunners in securing his signature.
City are looking to bolster their midfield following Ilkay Gundogan's exit to to Barcelona, but will look for assurances from Rice that he wants to be part of Pep Guardiola's project before they make a bid.
Njiken
0
partey is better than Rice by far, not to tlk of fofana..... partey one of d best defensive mid- fielder in EPL
U said it all bro is the bias English media that’s hyping that overrated rice and crucifying partey which was the engine of Arsenal team last season, now the English media are forcing arsenal to buy rice and the useless arsenal board are listening to the English media and they’re overrated rice Above partey, a player that has been playing champions throughout his years at Athletico and was a key player in Simeon Athletico, rice can’t even make Athletico Madrid bench because of the quality of players Athletico has in midfield, if arsenal let partey go it’s gonna be a very mistake from the board, and they’re regret it cos he’s irreplaceable in that midfield, it’s gonna be like same way when they lost Alex song and couldn’t replace him, and they start struggling from that season.
Enzo72r
1
Buy Fofana and Rice. Arsenal always buy stylish players and never rugged players. Need players similar to Viera in Arsenal again. No nonsense CDM and CB. See the difference Partey made in midfield. Fofana is similar in skills and stature.
Hioaekpuz
1
for once, finish what you started Arsenal!!! why are you always going for options... cheap.. can't you spot and go pick!?? you also want to bottle this don't you
kitcekprs
0
age is already telling on Partey
Evans0323
0
partey is better than Rice by far, not to tlk of fofana..... partey one of d best defensive mid- fielder in EPL
Yes bro
hupbclpsty
1
So what’s now the difference between this guy and Partey Arsenal board is really sick on the head
partey is better than Rice by far, not to tlk of fofana..... partey one of d best defensive mid- fielder in EPL
tupabersu
1
buy him faster plz 🥺
Jizablprsy
3
Arsenal should go in and sign Fofana! You see what Westham will do once they having the money for rubbish Rice, they will spend £30mil on a player that's far better.
Yoeailnty
1
better to buy fofana
leceilmotu
1
English players are usually over priced, over hyped, get Fofana @ about half the price of a plate of rice,,,,
GUNNERSPRO
4
Get Fofana and safe some money
ZAZA19
3
We need atleast two defensive midfielders
Teuinprtyz
1
Another kaulubaly loading
Sikbdeiort
1
Buy fofana, his even faster than the slow rice.
YakubuAutaSaad
2
Buy Fofana and forget the overhyped Rice.
Zesabclstu
0
yes Arsenal will sigin Youssprf Fofana Replace Declan Rice this will be done deal lf Rice be sold Fofana offer sign
Evans0323
5
So what’s now the difference between this guy and Partey Arsenal board is really sick on the head