Arsenal have reached an agreement with Malick Fofana over personal terms as they attempt to complete a deadline-day move for the Lyon winger.
Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu reports that Arsenal and Fofana have reached an agreement on all aspects of the player’s proposed move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Belgium international and his representatives are now said to be pushing Lyon to accept Arsenal’s offer, with the 21-year-old prioritising the Gunners over interest from elsewhere.
Fofana and his agent are reportedly holding off approaches from other Premier League and Serie A clubs while Arsenal attempt to reach an agreement with Lyon.
The development follows significant progress in the Gunners’ pursuit over the past 24 hours.
L’Equipe reported on Monday that Arsenal had moved into pole position for Fofana and were negotiating directly with his representatives, with Lyon seeking around €40 million (£34.6m) for the winger.
BBC Sport also reported that intermediaries had offered Fofana to Arsenal and that the club had discussed the possibility internally, although there was initially not universal support for pursuing the deal.
That position now appears to have advanced significantly if Sabuncuoglu’s latest information is accurate, although an agreement between Arsenal and Lyon is still required.
Lyon’s financial position could help negotiations after their failure to qualify for the Champions League increased the pressure to generate significant income before the transfer window closes.
L’Equipe reported last week that Fofana was among the players Lyon expected they might have to sell following their Champions League play-off elimination.
The Belgian demonstrated his quality during that tie by scoring an impressive goal against Fenerbahce, having established himself as one of Lyon’s most valuable attacking assets.
Arsenal’s interest also comes as the club reshape their options on the left wing, having already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge this summer.
The Gunners had continued exploring opportunities for another high-level attacker, with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez among their preferred targets, but there has been little encouragement that a deal can be completed.
Fofana represents a younger and potentially considerably cheaper alternative who primarily operates from the left but can play across the frontline.
With personal terms now reportedly settled, Arsenal’s focus will be on reaching an agreement with Lyon before the Premier League transfer window closes at 11pm tonight.
