Arsenal are exploring a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana as the transfer window enters its final hours. The Gunners are also still interested in signing Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, according to reports from BBC Sport Football on Tuesday.
RMC Sport said: "Arsenal explore move for Malick Fofana, Gunners also still interested in signing Julian Alvarez, Liverpool reject £30m bid from Nottingham Forest for Trey Nyoni." The club's activity comes as they sit ninth in the Premier League with three points from one game, having won their opening fixture 3-0. They are three points behind leaders Manchester City.
Why is Arsenal targeting Malick Fofana?
The 21-year-old Belgian winger currently plays for Lyon in Ligue 1. Arsenal's interest in Fofana represents a potential late-window addition to their attacking options. The club's need for depth is highlighted by their current injury list, which includes forwards Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. You can view the full list of sidelined players on our injuries page. Fofana is seen as a young talent with potential for development, fitting the profile of players Arsenal have targeted in recent seasons.
What is the latest on Julian Alvarez?
Arsenal's pursuit of Julian Alvarez remains active. Teamtalk said: "The Gunners are also still interested in signing Atletico Madrid and Argentina forward Julian Alvarez and are actively working to make a potential move to London easier for the 26-year-old and his entourage." Alvarez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, would provide significant experience and goal threat. His potential arrival would be a major statement, but any deal is complicated by the short time remaining before the deadline closes.
How does this affect the wider squad?
Mikel Arteta's side have started the season with a win, scoring three goals without conceding. Their next challenge is a home match against Chelsea on September 6th, a fixture you can find on our fixtures schedule. The potential addition of Fofana or Alvarez would offer more choices in the final third. Meanwhile, young Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri, 19, is reportedly a loan target for Borussia Dortmund. This indicates the club is also considering development pathways for its promising academy products.
What other Premier League business is happening?
Transfer activity is frantic across the league. Newcastle have agreed a fee with Lille to sign 21-year-old Belgian midfielder Matias Fernandez-Pardo on a five-year deal. Fulham have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign 22-year-old Swedish midfielder Hugo Larsson. Liverpool rejected a £30m bid from Nottingham Forest for 19-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni. These moves show the competitive nature of the final day, with clubs scrambling to strengthen.
Arsenal's focus will now be on securing at least one of their targets before the window shuts. The club's current standings position provides a solid base, but adding quality could be key to maintaining a title challenge. Their next fixture against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium will be a major early-season test.
