If a deal for Declan Rice cannot be completed, Arsenal have lined up Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana as a possible replacement.
The Gunners have had three proposals for the West Ham captain rejected, the most recent of which was for £75 million plus £15 million in add-ons.
However, the Hammers are demanding a sum of £100 million for the player, and while Arsenal are making a new proposal for Rice, they are looking for alternatives in case a deal for the England international cannot be reached.
Mikel Arteta, the club’s manager, sees the midfield as a major area for improvement this summer and has identified Fofana as another possibility in the middle.
Arsenal has joined the fight for the French midfielder, according to French source L’Equipe , but may face competition for his signature.
Newcastle have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, as have Serie A clubs Inter and Roma, while West Ham have been linked with Fofana as a potential replacement for Rice.
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According to reports, if a proposal of around £30 million is received, Fofana will be permitted to leave the French club. However, no bids have been made for the player as of yet.
Defensive midfielder Fofana was a key member of Monaco’s side last season, making 47 appearances and scoring two goals.
He has 10 caps for France and was a member of the 2022 World Cup squad, starting in the semi-final win against Morocco and playing 25 minutes off the bench in the final.
Arsenal’s interest comes as Manchester City have entered the hunt for Declan Rice and may be poised to compete with the Gunners for his signature.
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