Arsenal to battle PSG for France international

James Shearman

• Updated: 25 Apr 2024 15:59 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Monaco and France midfielder Youssouf Fofana.

According to French outlet FootMercato, the Gunners face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.

Mikel Arteta's side are looking to strengthen the central midfield position, despite the excellence of Declan Rice this season.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer rumours

Former Chelsea man Jorginho has performed well in his role, but he is now 32 years of age and has always lacked physical attributes.

Meanwhile, Thomas Partey has really suffered with injuries throughout his Arsenal career.

A summer addition is needed and a box-to-box midfielder of Fofana's ilk would work perfectly alongside Rice and Martin Odegaard.

The 25-year-old has been one of the standout performers in Ligue 1 in recent years and thoroughly deserves a move to a top club.

Arsenal closing in on first signing

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to reports in Italy.

Mikel Arteta is known to be on the lookout for a centre-forward, despite Arsenal leading the way in the Premier League scoring charts with 82 goals in 34 games.

The print edition of Tuttosport indicates the Gunners have enjoyed a breakthrough in their hopes of landing Zirkzee, who has been one of European football’s revelations over the course of the last campaign.

The Dutchman has scored 11 Serie A goals and generated five assists for Thiago Motta’s side as they have charged up the table into unexpected Champions League contention.

He could be Arsenal-bound in the summer, though.

The Italian source reports that the Gunners have been granted the opportunity to speak to Zirkzee’s agent, Kia Joorabchian.