Report: Arsenal now want to sign £34m powerhouse who’s been compared to Yaya Toure

Fri 24 June 2022 19:15, UK

Arsenal have set their sights on Lens midfielder Seko Fofana, according to L’Equipe.

The Gunners have already bolstered their midfield ranks this summer by signing Fabio Vieira.

Now, Arsenal are apparently prioritising new recruits in attack.

However, that’s not to say Edu and Mikel Arteta won’t revisit their midfield situation later in the window.

For example, Youri Tielemans reportedly remains a target for Arsenal.

However, it looks as though the Gunners may be looking at other options in the middle of the park.

L’Equipe – via – claims Arsenal ‘appreciate’ the profile of Fofana and ‘would like to sign him’.

As well as the Gunners, Newcastle United are apparently eyeing the Ivory Coast international too.

Lens, who bought Fofana from Udinese for €10m (£8.5m), ‘expect between €30-40m (around £26-34m)’.

This is especially because they know the Italian side ‘will receive 20% of the capital gain made’.

However, there is one significant issue for Arsenal and Newcastle regarding their pursuit of Fofana.

Namely, that ‘the player would still be inclined to stay in France, according to those around him’.

In addition, Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly in the race too.

Moving there would offer him ‘an unparalleled opportunity, with European prospects at stake’.

Fofana seems a good shout for Arsenal – TBR View

A tough ask for Arsenal, but it’s certainly worth testing the waters with both Fofana and Lens.

The 27-year-old has been superb for his club in recent years.

In 2021, voted Fofana their player of the year.

Last season, he registered an impressive 10 goals and two assists from Lens appearances.

Fans on Twitter have even him to .

In addition, Fofana has experience in English football.

He spent time at Manchester City’s academy and played for Fulham in the Championship.