Arsenal, Manchester United midfield target confirms transfer stance amid £20m claim

Youssouf Fofana has confirmed his plan to leave Monaco this summer amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Fofana has made 143 competitive appearances since joining Monaco from Strasbourg for €15m (£12.8m) in the summer of 2020.

The midfield chipped in with four goals and four assists in 32 league matches in the 2023-24 campaign, helping Monaco achieve Champions League qualification via their second-placed finish.

Despite being a key part of Adi Hutter's side, Fofana has emerged as a potential target for several European clubs.

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal and Man United are among the clubs chasing Fofana's signature ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The report claims that Monaco could sanction a sale for as little as £20m, with the player's contract set to expire in June 2025.

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Fofana set to leave Monaco

The France international is also believed to be attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.

Amid the transfer speculation, Fofana has now revealed that he is likely to leave Monaco this summer after reaching an agreement with the Principality club.

"I have spoken about it with the hierarchy, it isn't a secret," Fofana told reporters. "We had exchanges and they agreed to accompany me in this new stage.

"If [a move] doesn't happen, I still have a year left and I will be happy to stay. We were in agreement that we would accompany each other in this process in which everyone should be a winner, be it me or the club."

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Why do Arsenal, Manchester United want midfield reinforcements?

Arsenal are believed to be on the lookout for a new midfielder, with uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey's future with the club.

The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season and could be sold during the upcoming transfer window.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of midfield targets, including Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz, Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes, Everton's Amadou Onana and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi – although the latter has reportedly ruled out a move to North London.

Meanwhile, Man United are keen to bolster their engine room after Sofyan Amrabat returned to Fiorentina following the end of his loan spell.

There is also the possibility that Casemiro could leave Old Trafford amid speculation linking him with a potential move to Saudi Arabia.