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Arsenal-linked midfielder addresses future with Ligue 1 club

Arsenal-linked midfielder addresses future with Ligue 1 club
© Reuters
Arsenal-linked midfielder Youssouf Fofana addresses his future at Ligue 1 outfit Monaco ahead of the summer transfer window.

Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana is yet to make a final decision on his future at the club amid reported interest from several teams including Arsenal.

The France international has spent nearly four years with Monaco and has made a total of 172 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with six goals and 15 assists.

Fofana, primarily a defensive midfielder, is regarded as an integral first-team player for the Monegasques and has played more matches (32) and more minutes (2,781) than any of his teammates in all competitions so far this season.

The 25-year-old is yet to win a trophy with Monaco, who suffered a 3-2 defeat at Lyon last weekend to hand perennial Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain their third successive title with three games to spare.

Fofana will be looking to end the current campaign on a high by helping Monaco, who sit second in the table, qualify for next season's Champions League, but speculation over his long-term future at the club is rife ahead of the summer transfer window.

France's Youssouf Fofana celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on November 21, 2023© Reuters

Who is interested in Youssouf Fofana?

Fofana will soon be entering the final year of his contract at Monaco and a number of European clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on his situation.

Foot Mercato reports that Arsenal are one club who have expressed an interest in Fofana, with Mikel Arteta said to be exploring the possibility of bolstering his midfield options this summer.

While Gunners midfielder Mohamed Elneny is out of contract in June, the likes of Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Emile Smith Rowe and Charlie Patino have all been linked with a possible exit from the Emirates Stadium.

Fofana has also attracted interest from PSG, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have previously been linked with the midfielder.

France's Youssouf Fofana on December 14, 2022© Reuters

Youssouf Fofana addresses Monaco future

Fofana has insisted that his primary focus is to end the season strongly with Monaco and force his way into the France squad for Euro 2024 this summer, before holding talks over his next move, whether that be staying at or leaving.

Discussing his future plans, as quoted by 90min, Fofana said: "We haven't yet spoken about it with the sporting director [Thiago Scuro].

"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.

"[Champions League qualification] could be important. As I said, we haven't dwelt on it. We'll see what happens when we come back for pre-season."

Fofana is expected to feature in Monaco's next Ligue 1 fixture at home against basement club Clermont on Saturday.

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