Arsenal Eye Fofana Transfer Hijack After Eze Swoop

Arsenal’s summer transfer window has already been full of drama, excitement, and bold moves. After stunning north London rivals Tottenham by moving ahead of them in the race for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, the Gunners are now being linked with yet another ambitious move. This time, it could come at the expense of Everton, as Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Lyon forward Rayan Cherki Fofana, a player the Toffees tried but failed to bring to Goodison Park.

The question now is simple: will Arsenal make another late push to hijack a deal and add even more firepower to a squad that already looks stacked going into the new Premier League season?

Arsenal Transfer Hijack Talk Gathers Pace

Mikel Arteta’s side have not exactly been shy in the market. With Viktor Gyökeres already signed to lead the line, the north London club addressed fans’ calls for a striker. But after securing the Swedish forward, the attention inside the Emirates has shifted towards another attacking area: the left wing.

Gabriel Martinelli remains a hugely popular figure among Arsenal supporters, but doubts have quietly grown over whether he can be the long-term answer in that role. The Brazilian has flair and speed, but his consistency in front of goal and ability to break down deep defences has been questioned. With Arsenal determined to push Manchester City all the way in the title race, every small upgrade matters.

Eze’s arrival for around £68 million has already lifted expectations, adding a creative spark to Arteta’s midfield and attacking options. Yet, despite already spending more than £200 million in this transfer window, Arsenal may not be done. Reports from France suggest that the club is considering a move for Fofana, who has caught the eye with his performances for Lyon.

Everton’s Rejected Bid Opens the Door

Malick Fofana Lyon 2025 arsenal

The story took shape when Everton launched a €35 million bid for Fofana, which Lyon swiftly rejected. The French club valued their attacker closer to €40 million (£34.6m), but the bigger obstacle for Everton wasn’t just the price tag—it was the player himself.

Fofana is said to be unwilling to join a side outside of the Champions League. While Everton could offer Premier League football and a project under Sean Dyche, they simply couldn’t match the lure of Europe’s biggest stage. That stance immediately placed Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, in the driving seat.

For Arsenal, the appeal is obvious. Not only would Fofana strengthen their wing options, but he also fits the profile of player Arteta likes to work with: young, technically gifted, and hungry to develop. At just 21, Fofana already boasts 15 goals and eight assists in 63 senior appearances for Lyon. His pace, direct running, and eye for goal would add a different dimension to Arsenal’s attack.

Eze and Fofana: A Double Statement?

Should Arsenal follow through on this interest, it would represent a remarkable double statement of intent. Hijacking Tottenham’s hopes of signing Eze already sent a strong message across north London. To then move in on Everton’s target and take Fofana to the Emirates would underline Arsenal’s new reputation as one of the most aggressive movers in the transfer market.

The financial side is, of course, a challenge. With more than £200 million already spent, adding another £34–40 million player would push Arsenal’s outlay into staggering territory. But under Arteta and sporting director Edu, the club have shown they’re willing to spend big if it means closing the gap to Manchester City.

And when you look at the squad depth it would create, the logic is there. An attacking trio featuring Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, and Fofana, with Eze pulling the strings behind them, has the makings of one of the most fearsome front lines in Europe.

Why Arsenal Are Considering the Move

There’s also a sense that Arsenal are planning for the long term. Martinelli may still come good and establish himself as the undisputed starter on the left, but the Gunners don’t want to be caught short if injuries or dips in form strike.

Arteta’s vision has always been about squad depth and tactical flexibility. Last season, Arsenal’s title push fell just short, with City’s squad depth proving decisive in the final months. By adding both Eze and potentially Fofana, Arteta would have multiple options to rotate and adapt depending on the opponent.

For Everton, it’s another reminder of the gulf between mid-table Premier League clubs and those competing at the top. Despite making a fair bid, they simply couldn’t offer what Fofana wanted: Champions League football. If Arsenal do push ahead, the Toffees will have to look elsewhere to strengthen their frontline.

Late Drama Before Deadline Day?

According to French outlet L’Équipe, the situation could accelerate in the final days of the transfer window, particularly in the Premier League. Arsenal have already shown this summer that they’re not afraid to act quickly when the opportunity arises, and the final stretch of the window is often when the most dramatic moves happen.

Whether Fofana ultimately ends up in north London remains to be seen. Bayern Munich are also monitoring his situation, and Lyon won’t let him go cheaply. But Arsenal’s recent willingness to spend, combined with the player’s desire for Champions League football, makes the Emirates a very attractive destination.

Arsenal’s Ambition Clear

No matter what happens in the final days of the transfer window, one thing is certain: Arsenal’s ambition is undeniable. They’ve already pulled off one transfer hijack with Eze, and now they’re being linked with another in Fofana.

For fans, the excitement is building. After years of frustration with cautious spending and missed opportunities, Arsenal are now behaving like a club determined to return to the very top of English and European football.

Should they land Fofana after gazumping Spurs for Eze, it will only reinforce the belief that Arsenal are no longer the hunters—they’re now the ones setting the pace, ready to hijack deals and reshape the balance of power in the Premier League.