adminMalick Fofana is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Sunderland after the Black Cats reached an agreement with Lyon for the highly-rated winger.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland and Lyon have now reached a “total agreement” over a deal worth €30 million, with a further €5 million available in potential add-ons.
The 21-year-old is expected to travel to England within the next few hours to undergo the necessary formalities before completing his transfer to the Stadium of Light. Fofana is also set to put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Régis Le Bris’ side.
Sunderland’s late push for the Belgian-born winger has seen them move ahead of Arsenal in the race for his signature. The Gunners had shown interest in Fofana but were reportedly unwilling to meet Lyon’s financial demands with a permanent transfer.
Arsenal’s Interest in Fofana
Arsenal had emerged as one of the leading contenders for Fofana, but their approach appears to have fallen short of what Lyon wanted.
Journalist Santi Aouna reported that Arsenal had not yet made a firm commitment to signing the Lyon winger. Instead, the north London club had verbally proposed a loan deal that would include an option to buy.
That proposal did not match Lyon’s preference for a permanent transfer. The French club were reportedly hoping to secure around €40 million for Fofana before the transfer window closed.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, the situation was complicated by reports that Fofana himself preferred a move to the Gunners. However, Sunderland continued working behind the scenes to try to secure the highly-rated attacker.
Earlier reports had suggested that Arsenal had moved to the front of the queue and were holding concrete discussions with Lyon over a potential deal. However, those negotiations now appear to have stalled, allowing Sunderland to make a decisive move.
With a €30 million deal already agreed, plus €5 million in possible bonuses, Sunderland now look to have taken control of the transfer.
Sunderland Continue French Recruitment
Sunderland’s interest in Fofana also fits the club’s recent recruitment strategy under Régis Le Bris.
The Black Cats have increasingly looked towards the French market since the manager took charge, and that approach has already produced encouraging results.
During the current summer transfer window, Sunderland have strengthened their squad with the arrival of Dayann Methalie from Toulouse, while Thomas Meunier joined the club on a free transfer from Lille.
Fofana could now become the latest addition from France as Sunderland look to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
The winger has developed a strong reputation for his pace, technical ability and attacking threat, making him an exciting potential addition to Le Bris’ squad.
While Arsenal had hoped to remain in the race, Sunderland’s willingness to meet Lyon’s demands appears to have given them the advantage. Unless there is a dramatic late twist on deadline day, Fofana looks set to become Sunderland’s latest major signing.
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