Cesc Fabregas believes that Youssouf Fofana would thrive in the Premier League but suggests that the Arsenal and Manchester United target may be heading elsewhere. Both Premier League clubs have expressed interest in signing Fofana, who is expected to leave Monaco this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
Fabregas, who played with Fofana towards the end of his career, praised the midfielder’s abilities but hinted that Arsenal and Manchester United might be disappointed in their pursuit. According to Fabregas, Fofana is likely to join AC Milan, as former Lille boss Paulo Fonseca is expected to take over at the Serie A club.
“I know him, I played with him,” Fabregas said on the BBC’s Planet Premier League podcast. “Funnily enough, I never heard about Man United, I heard that he was going to AC Milan because [Paulo] Fonseca probably is going to go there from France and they know each other, so let’s see where he goes.
But he’s a very dynamic and strong player, good on the ball, a modern type of player, aggressive, can jump, he’s box to box. I really like Fofana and I think he fits very well with the Premier League style.”
Fofana recently admitted that he had discussed a summer move with Monaco but insisted he would be happy to stay if a transfer does not materialise. “I have spoken about it with the hierarchy, it isn’t a secret,” Fofana said in a press conference.
“We had exchanges and they agreed to accompany me in this new stage. If [a move] doesn’t happen, I still have a year left and I will be happy to stay. We were in agreement that we would accompany each other in this process in which everyone should be a winner, be it me or the club.”
Monaco’s sporting director, Thiago Scuro, confirmed that the club is open to selling Fofana following his standout season. “There were good opportunities for him to leave last summer,” Scuro said.
“It was his decision to stay because of his personal goals. It was a very good decision for us because he had a very good and consistent season, for him too as it was probably his best season at Monaco. He is probably one of the players that we are open to selling. We will see the opportunities that he has. It is still too early to make a decision.”
