Ex-Arsenal player Emmanuel Petit says his former club would be getting “a very good player” if they sign Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana this summer.
The Frenchman has been tipped as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey, with reports earlier this month suggesting that the Gunners had held “initial talks” with his representatives. Asked by Gambling.com who he sees as Partey’s successor, Petit replied:
“If Arsenal were looking at buying a holding midfielder I would try and get Youssouf Fofana from Monaco, who is playing for the national team at the Euros. He is a very good player who can be good for Arsenal. There aren’t many players in France, for example, that are a good fit for Arsenal. Arsenal are playing for the Champions League and the Premier League so they need top-level players.”
“If you are looking to add a player to the squad, you need to improve on the quality of the team, and at the moment there aren’t many suitable options playing in France- there are many interesting players but it’s too soon for a lot of them. Fofana is the only one that comes to mind as a holding midfielder.”
Why are Arsenal looking to replace Partey?
The Ghanaian international is closing in on the final year of his contract and he is unlikely to be given a new deal. The Gunners will not want to let him leave on a free next summer so a sale before the current transfer window closes is on the cards.
There have been rumours that Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in Partey but, so far, no formal bid has been tabled for the midfielder.
Fofana won’t be an expensive purchase
The 25-year-old is actually in the same situation as Partey, with his contract set to expire in 2025, and it is believed that Monaco are prepared to let him go on a cut-price deal.
A fee of just €20m (£17m) could be needed to secure Fofana’s services and, based on Petit’s remarks, he would be a bargain.
