-
LIVE
- 41 minutes ago
Arsenal deal collapses despite Deadline Day agreement
Updated: 1 Sept 2026 11:36 BST |
4 min read
News
Arsenal will not sign Malick Fofana after Sunderland reached an agreement with Lyon to sign the Belgium international, according to David Ornstein.
The 21-year-old winger has been given permission to undergo a medical in the north east ahead of signing a five-year contract with the Black Cats.
Fabrizio Romano understands Sunderland will pay an initial €30million (£25.6m) plus add-ons to sign Fofana from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
The news comes after Arsenal held talks with Lyon over a potential deal for Fofana, with the Gunners keen to strengthen their attack on deadline day.
FootballTransfers reporter Steve Kay understands Fofana had agreed personal terms with Arsenal while negotiations continued with Lyon.
However, the Premier League champions had no intention of matching the €40m (£34.25m) valuation placed on Fofana by the French outfit.
The forward has become available after Lyon missed out on Champions League qualification by losing to Turkish giants Fenerbahce in qualifying.
Arsenal meanwhile are set to become light in attack with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus poised to leave north London today.
Brazil international Martinelli is on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in a lucrative deal worth €70m (£59.9m).
Meanwhile, Jesus is on the cusp of moving to Barcelona after the La Liga champions agreed a surprise €10m (£8.57m) deal with Arsenal.
Arsenal have made Julian Alvarez their dream signing
Arsenal have identified Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as their dream target, having pursued a marquee signing all summer.
However, time is running out to complete a deal for the 26-year-old, who is regarded as one of most complete forwards in the world.
Barcelona were also keen to land Alvarez but have decided to sign Jesus after Atletico insisted they will not do business with their Spanish rivals.
Arsenal were also interested in signing Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers this summer, while Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz is also admired.
Fofana missed out on Belgium World Cup squad
Fofana joined Lyon from Belgian outfit Gent in January 2024 for a reported €17m (£14.56m) plus €5m (£4.28m) in add-ons.
He has registered 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions for Lyon, helping them reach the French Cup final in 2023-24.
STATS
Malick Fofana
F, M (L)
Lyon
Malick Fofana
F, M (L)
Lyon
Fofana has also earned five caps for Belgium, scoring once, but he was not included in their squad for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Arsenal have so far signed Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier this summer, while Piero Hincapie has also turned his loan move into a permanent transfer.
Related stories:
Welcome to Transfer Deadline Day: Why it’s the most important day in the football year
