Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs chasing the signature of Lyon attacker Malick Fofana, who has been the subject of 'positive scouting reports'.
Attacking reinforcements are likely to be high on the priority lists of both clubs this summer, as Liverpool are still yet to agree a new contract with Mohamed Salah beyond the end of June.
Meanwhile, one of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard has been tipped to leave the Gunners at the end of the season, and the latter's deal also runs for just one more season.
Trossard was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia last year, and given that the Belgium international is now in his 30s, an exit this summer is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams has been earmarked as a top target for Arsenal ahead of the 2025-26 season, but Mikel Arteta's side could face a fierce battle for his services also involving Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Fofana identified as cheaper Williams alternative?
© Imago
Williams is also understood to have a release clause in his Athletic contract that could reach up to €80m (£67.5m), so both Arsenal and Liverpool could pursue a cheaper alternative, especially as they are also likely to be in the market for new number nines.
According to CaughtOffside, Lyon protege Fofana has been identified as a viable option, as the 19-year-old would a slightly more economical option at approximately €50m (£42.2m).
Fofana came through the youth system at Gent before joining Lyon in January 2024 for a fee of £16.5m, and the teenager has come up with 13 goals and five assists in 55 games for Les Gones in all tournaments.
The 2005-born youngster has especially impressed in the Europa League this season, managing six goals from nine appearances, the joint third-most in the competition as Lyon prepare to face Manchester United in the quarter-finals next month.
Fofana was rewarded for his impressive form in France with a first-ever senior Belgium cap in October, and even though his Lyon contract runs until 2028, he is said to be open to leaving the Groupama Stadium.
Which other clubs have shown an interest in Fofana?
© Imago
The teenager has apparently been the subject of 'positive scouting reports' from a host of clubs across Europe, and Arsenal and Liverpool are just two of six teams keeping tabs on his progress.
Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also said to be in the race for Fofana, as are Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain and Serie A giants Juventus.
However, the former Gent starlet is yet to make a final decision on his future, and neither his camp nor Lyon are believed to have received any official approaches for a summer transfer.
Lyon and Fofana will host Man United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on April 10, seven days before Les Gones travel to Old Trafford for the return fixture.
Ben Knapton
