Sunderland have reached an agreement with Lyon to sign Malick Fofana, with the 21-year-old winger now set to travel for his medical before completing his move to the Premier League club.
The deal is understood to be worth an initial £25.7 million, with a further £4.3 million in potential add ons, taking the package to around £30 million. Fofana is expected to sign a five-year contract with Sunderland.
Arsenal had been interested in the Belgium international and explored the possibility of bringing him to North London. However, the Gunners ultimately decided they did not want to meet the financial package required to secure his signature.
Fofana had made it clear that Arsenal was his preferred destination and would have welcomed the opportunity to work under Mikel Arteta. However, with Arsenal unwilling to commit to Lyon’s valuation, Sunderland have taken advantage of the situation and moved quickly to complete the deal. Fofana is understood to be more than happy with the move to Sunderland. The Black Cats have strengthened significantly since returning to the Premier League last season and will also compete in the Europa League this season, providing the winger with the opportunity to play regular first team football.
His departure leaves Arsenal still assessing their options for another attacker before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners continue to explore alternatives, although their pursuit of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid remains considered unlikely. With time running out, Arsenal will now have to decide whether to pursue another target or continue with their current attacking options.
