Arsenal are still exploring potential options on the market on transfer deadline day, although they are set to miss out on Malick Fofana to Sunderland, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners have endured a somewhat frustrating transfer window, failing in their pursuit of multiple high-profile attackers. Vinicius Junior opted to stay put and sign a new contract at Real Madrid after being courted by the North Londoners, Morgan Rogers signed for Chelsea, and Bradley Barcola joined Liverpool.
Julian Alvarez is expected to stay at Atletico Madrid despite Arsenal’s interest, leaving Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta with few options to bolster their attack.
That said, they remain alive to the possibility of landing someone, if the right opportunity presents itself in the remaining hours of the window.
Reports emerged on Monday night indicating that Lyon’s Malick Fofana was being considered by Arsenal as a last-minute signing. The Premier League champions viewed the winger as a potential market opportunity, given he is available for a relatively modest fee.
However, the Gunners weren’t willing to fork out upwards of €40 million to bring the player to the Emirates, and he’s subsequently closing in on a switch to the Stadium of Light.
This doesn’t necessarily signal the end of Arsenal’s pursuit of a forward, although it does look increasingly likely that they won’t secure the attacker they want. Speaking on the Market Madness podcast, transfer guru Romano provided an update on the state of affairs in N5 on deadline day.
“For Arsenal at this stage, what I’m hearing is that they are still considering opportunities,” he said.
“So I would not say now that the window is closed for Arsenal.
“They considered Malick Fofana, but my understanding is that Arsenal were never going to spend €40million or €35 million on a player. For them, it was an opportunity again. So maybe a loan or a loan with an obligation to buy under certain conditions. It was never going to be a permanent transfer for €40million or €35 million, and that’s why the player decided to accept Sunderland today. He’s having a medical now, and so for Arsenal, if there is the right opportunity from now to the end [of the window], I think they are still active and looking at some chances in the final hours of the window.”
However, if Arsenal do not find the right opportunity, Romano revealed the Gunenrs would be happy to carry on with their swquad as it is. He continued: “Otherwise, they are more than happy with the squad they have. So no panic, only in case there is a good opportunity.”
If Arsenal fail to land a left-sided attacker, they’re expected to rely on a mix of Eberechi Eze and Christos Tzolis on this side until January at least.
