Monaco midfielder explains summer plan amid Arsenal links | OneFootball

AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana has explained when a decision will be made on his future, following links to Arsenal.

Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Lille (LOSC) at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on April 24, 2024. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to GFFN last week, AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana addressed questions about his future with the Ligue 1 club.

There’s plenty of speculation that Fofana might leave Monaco this summer, and the player admits he hasn’t yet discussed a contract extension to stay where he is.

“We haven’t yet spoken about it with the sporting director (Thiago Scuro),” Fofana said.

“He’ll allow me to finish the season so that there aren’t too many things in my head and if I then go to the Euros with the France national team, we will speak about it upon my return. We haven’t dwelt on it.”

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Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana (L) fights for the ball with Metz’s Danley Jean Jacques (R) during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and FC Metz at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on October 22, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal are among the club reportedly in the mix for Fofana, with Foot Mercato claiming the Gunners join PSG, Atletico Madrid, and AC Milan on his trail.

Mikel Arteta certainly seems likely to be on the lookout for a midfielder this summer, though it’s not entirely clear which role that midfielder will be asked to fill.

With Declan Rice capable of playing the deepest midfield role or a little further forward, and with questions around the futures of Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Emile Smith Rowe, there are a lot of permutations when it comes to potential signings.

France’s midfielder Youssouf Fofana controls the ball during the friendly football match between France and Scotland at Pierre-Mauroy stadium, in Villeneuve-D’Ascq, northern France, on October 17, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal were previously linked with Fofana as a possible alternative to Rice, before that transfer was confirmed last summer.

The Gunners evidently held the Monaco midfielder in high regard at that point, just not enough to sway them from their pursuit of the former West Ham United man.

Perhaps this summer could be different, if the right midfielders leave north London in the coming window.

Fofana has made 32 appearances for Monaco this season, as well as regularly featuring for the French national team.

The 25-year-old has 17 caps for his country, and he’s appeared in seven consecutive games for them in the build-up to the 2024 Euros.