Arsenal have reportedly joined Newcastle United in the race to sign RC Lens midfielder Seko Fofana, who is valued at around €30-40 million.
According to French publication L’Equipe, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal and Newcastle United are likely to battle it out for the signing of RC Lens midfield mainstay Seko Fofana in the current transfer window.
Fofana has been with Lens for two years now, having joined from Serie A side Udinese in 2020 in a deal worth €10 million. The 27-year-old, who spent time with Manchester City early in his career, has made 73 appearances for the French outfit, scoring 12 goals and setting up six more. An all-round midfielder who can operate in multiple roles in the centre, Fofana is attracting attention from the Premier League.
Newcastle United have identified Fofana as a priority target to bolster their midfield this summer. And the Magpies have now been joined by fellow English club Arsenal in pursuit of the Ivory Coast international.
Newcastle United are intent on putting together a squad that can compete with the traditional top-six in the Premier League and stand a chance of qualifying for European football. Backed by the deep pockets of their new owners, the Tynesiders have already signed Matt Targett and Nick Pope, with Sven Botman now poised to move to St James’ Park.
With their recruitment on the defensive side of things seemingly sorted, the focus will shift to midfield and attack. The Magpies have plenty of options in midfield in Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Joelinton, who has turned things around spectacularly at the club. On top of that, marquee winter signing Bruno Guimaraes, who is already a fan favourite, is also available at Eddie Howe’s disposal.
However, Newcastle could benefit from adding a player like Fofana who can fold the fort down in the middle of the park, which would take the shackles completely off of Guimaraes and Shelvey to do their thing, making them more dangerous going forward.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are on the lookout for a well-rounded midfield partner for Thomas Partey, who himself has had his fair share of injuries since landing in England. Fabio Vieira has been signed, but the Portuguese starlet is likely to be used in a more attacking capacity. So, there is room for another midfielder who can cover for Partey or play alongside the Ghanaian, making Fofana a viable option.
Also Read: The rebirth of Joelinton: From Premier League flop to Newcastle’s Player of the 2021-22 Season
Lens are aware of the interest in their star midfielder and are prepared to sell him for a fee between €30-40 million, knowing that 20% of that revenue will go to Fofana’s former club Udinese. Furthermore, Ligue 1 champions PSG are also keen, and the 27-year-old would prefer to stay in France, which could become an issue for Arsenal and Newcastle in their pursuit of the midfielder.
seko fofana is a strong man but can arteta replace him party whenever he goes injury…. His going to b a nice buy… Kudos to all arsenal fans who love dearest team
Waiting for Gabriel Jesus medical to b completed