Transfer: Why Arteta blocked Malick Fofana from joining Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reportedly blocked the club from signing Lyon winger Malick Fofana on transfer deadline day after raising concerns about the player.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal considered making a late move for the Belgium international as they looked to strengthen their attack after failing to sign several high-profile targets.

The Gunners had previously tried to land Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, but both moves failed to materialise. Christos Tzolis eventually became Arsenal’s only attacking addition after the departures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal also explored the possibility of signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but the Argentine was reluctant to return to the Premier League.

Fofana then became available on deadline day, with Lyon looking to raise funds after failing to qualify for the Champions League. The 21-year-old, who had previously attracted interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, was reportedly available for around £30 million.

However, Arsenal were only prepared to consider a loan deal because of concerns about UEFA’s spending regulations. Arteta also reportedly spoke with Fofana but had doubts about whether the winger could quickly adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.

Despite Arsenal’s decision not to sign him, Fofana still completed a move to the Premier League after a dramatic transfer battle between Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

Sunderland initially agreed a deal with Lyon, but Crystal Palace attempted to hijack the transfer by reaching a similar agreement. Sunderland eventually secured the winger after offering a higher commission to his agents.

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Fofana has now signed a five-year contract with Sunderland and will look to prove himself in the Premier League after Arsenal decided against bringing him to the Emirates.