Arsenal are showing an interest in Wesley Fofana, hoping to sign the centre-back from Saint-Etienne along with William Saliba, according to reports in France.

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar (R) falls as he vies for the ball with Saint-Etienne's French defender Wesley Fofana (L) during the French League cup final quarter match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Saint Etienne at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on January 8, 2020. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)
PSG Brazilian forward Neymar (R) falls as he vies for the ball with Wesley Fofana (L) on January 8, 2020. (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

But! Football Club claim Arsenal and Everton are following Saint-Etienne defender Wesley Fofana, despite the player extending his contract until 2024 last month.

With Saint-Etienne’s current financial situation, they may not be able to turn down a good offer even with that extension. AC Milan showed an interest in the past, even hosting Fofana for a visit, but they’re focusing on other targets now.

Fofana prefers to stay in France for one more season, rather like Saliba did last year. He does want a transfer to the Premier League after that, though, so a deal similar to Saliba’s could appeal to player and club.

Like Saliba, Fofana is young (19) and performing well at centre-back for Saint-Etienne. He’s very strong in the air and in making tackles and interceptions, though he’s somewhat error-prone. Not surprising for his age.

Perhaps most importantly, Fofana has a strong partnership with Saliba. If Arsenal can bring him in, they already know the two work well together.