Kylian Mbappe has shared an incredible story about an Arsenal target who will take part in Euro 2024.
The summer transfer window is officially open, and the Gunners are expected to bring in reinforcements in multiple areas of their pitch.
A striker, winger, goalkeeper and left-back are all on Arsenal’s agenda, but a new midfielder is likely to be the priority in the coming months.
Mbappe has now raved about one Arsenal midfield target.
Kylian Mbappe shares ‘incredible’ story about Arsenal target Youssouf Fofana
Arsenal need a new midfielder this summer.
The Gunners have already said their goodbyes to Mohamed Elneny, while Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga have both been made available for sale.
That leaves them really short in the middle of the park, which is why they have been linked with a number of midfielders over the last few months.
One player Arsenal are interested in is Monaco star Youssouf Fofana, who is set to leave the principality club this summer after he enters the final year of his contract.
However, any transfer is expected to happen only after his participation at the Euros comes to an end.
The captain of the French national team, Mbappe, knows Fofana really well, and he has now shared a truly inspirational story about the Arsenal-linked midfielder.
Speaking to Ouest-France, Mbappe said: “Youssouf… I’ve known him for a really long time. We were at the INF at the same time, he appeared in the promotion below, that of 1999. His story and his CV speak for him.
“Realize: this is a guy who was at Clairefontaine and who didn’t find a club to train at afterwards. So he had to return home. It’s the ultimate humiliation for a young footballer. Pfff… Honestly, when you go to Clairefontaine, you never imagine the scenario he faced.
“The guy went through the struggle, the real one. And he never gave up, until he saw him in Blue. His story is magnificent… (he pauses) Incredible. I think he’s one of the most deserving players on this team. I take my hat off to him.
“Once again, these journeys are much more inspiring for young people, because they are closer to their reality. The guy delivered pizzas at one point, but he never gave up his dream of playing football. Never. And today he is at the door of the biggest European clubs.
“In Blue, he went to find his place. I remember that he started with us because there were a lot of injured people. Honestly, I said to myself: “He’s coming, then he’s going to leave.” The guy is still there (smile).
“He started in the semi-final of the World Cup, he entered the final. In the group, he’s super important, very happy, very quiet, too… (laughs)
“He’s starting to find his place, it’s really good for him. I really have a special pride when I see everything he went through.
Arsenal can sign Fofana for a bargain fee
Fofana has been one of the best midfielders in France over the last few years.
The Monaco star, still only 25, has been a key player at the Stade Louis II, but his time there is almost certain to come to an end this summer.
Fofana revealed recently that Monaco have agreed to sell him this summer. He feels a move away would benefit everyone involved.
Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Fofana, and reports have claimed that he can be signed for as little as £20 million this summer (Goal). That would be an absolute bargain.
If Arsenal cannot sign players like Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz and Martin Zubimendi, we think a move for Fofana at £20 million makes a lot of sense.
