Romano reveals KEY update in Arsenal's midfield pursuit

Cameron Smith

• 29 Apr 2024 09:45 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are set for a busy summer of transfer activity as Mikel Arteta pursues a new centre forward and a new central midfielder.

Despite Declan Rice’s arrival last year, the Gunners are hoping to add another key player in the middle of the park amid the uncertain futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, both of whom have been touted to leave Arsenal this summer.

Several different names have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks, with AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana becoming the latest to emerge as a possible summer signing.

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Fofana has spent the past four years at Monaco and his existing deal in the Principality is due to expire in 2025, meaning an exit is plausible in the coming months.

However, Fabrizio Romano has downplayed rumours that Arsenal are currently pushing to sign the France international.

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What has Fabrizio Romano said?

The transfer expert told CaughtOffside: “Arsenal continue to be linked with midfielders ahead of this summer’s transfer window, with Youssouf Fofana of Monaco the latest name circulating in some media outlets.

“I can guarantee that for Fofana there’s a lot of interest but nothing concrete at this point with Arsenal or any club. Fofana will decide his future in the summer, not now. So nothing concrete is happening at the moment.

“Arsenal have some priorities in the midfield and I can confirm the names I mentioned in the recent months such as Douglas Luiz and Martin Zubimendi.

“I’ve been impressed with Fofana’s performances so I’m not surprised he’s a name making headlines, but that’s just normal speculation that we always get at this time of year.”

Fofana, 25, has made 32 appearances in all competitions so far this season, notching three goals and four assists in the process. He is expected to be included in France’s squad for the 2024 European Championship later this year and will no doubt be hoping to impress any suitors interested in signing him.