Arsenal have suffered a late transfer setback after Sunderland moved ahead in the race for one of Mikel Arteta’s attacking targets.
The Gunners entered deadline day looking for another left-sided option after significant changes to their attacking department.
Leandro Trossard has joined Besiktas, while Gabriel Martinelli is expected to complete a £60 million move to Al Hilal.
Arsenal had identified a new winger as a possible replacement and held discussions over bringing him to north London.
However, their Premier League rivals have now reached an agreement for the player before the transfer window closes.
According to David Ornstein, Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana. The transfer is worth more than €30 million (£25.7 million) including bonuses.
Fofana has received permission to travel for a medical before signing a five-year contract with Sunderland.
The agreement will also include an option to extend his contract by another 12 months.
Paperwork still needs to be completed, but the transfer is on course to be finalised before the deadline.
Arsenal had been considering a move for the 21-year-old Belgium international and Fofana had spoken directly with Arteta.
However, Arsenal ultimately decided against meeting Lyon’s asking price, allowing Sunderland to advance negotiations. Fofana has scored twice in six appearances for Lyon this season.
Across his two-and-a-half years with the French club, he has registered 19 goals in 83 appearances.
He joined Lyon from Gent for €17 million in January 2024 after progressing through the Belgian club’s academy.
Sunderland have prioritised attacking reinforcements during the summer and had also explored moves for Igor Paixao and Jack Grealish.
Their agreement for Fofana now leaves Arsenal searching for another left-wing option in the remaining hours of the window.
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