Arsenal have joined Paris Saint-Germain in the race for RC Lens midfielder Seko Fofana this summer, according to a report.

Lens' Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana reacts after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between RC Lens and Bordeaux at the Bollaert-Delelis stadium, in Lens, on February 13, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)
Lens’ Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana reacts after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between RC Lens and Bordeaux at the Bollaert-Delelis stadium, in Lens, on February 13, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)

L’Equipe report that Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Paris Saint-Germain are all interested in a move for RC Lens’ Seko Fofana this summer.

Fofana would ideally prefer to stay in Ligue 1, which makes PSG the favourites. They also have the financial resources and Champions League football to set themselves apart from the competition.

RC Lens want £26m for a sale, with 27-year-old Fofana having made the Ligue 1 Team of the Year in 2021/22.

The midfielder scored 10 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions, including the opening goal in a game against PSG themselves.

But after PSG, you’d imagine Arsenal would be an attractive option to Fofana. The Gunners can offer Europa League football, which is more than Lens or Newcastle, and there could be an opening for a goalscoring midfielder in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Paris Saint-Germain's Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye (L) fights for the ball with Lens' Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana during the French L1 football match between Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) and Lens (RCL) at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on April 23, 2022. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain’s Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye (L) fights for the ball with Lens’ Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana during the French L1 football match between Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) and Lens (RCL) at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on April 23, 2022. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images)

On the other hand, Arsenal just have so many other priorities at the moment.

Having seemingly tied up a deal for Gabriel Jesus, following moves for Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos, and Matt Turner, Arsenal are pursuing Raphinha and Lisandro Martinez.

That’s not to mention Youri Tielemans, with David Ornstein reporting that the Leicester City man is very popular at Arsenal.

Tielemans isn’t a priority right now, but it seems like he’ll be the midfielder Arsenal turn to if and when they decide to focus on the midfield.

A deal for Fofana seems unlikely as things stand, but perhaps it’s one to keep an eye on as the window develops.