Sources in the English media have now confirmed that Youssouf Fofana is a potential alternative option to Declan Rice for Arsenal this summer.

Monaco's French midfielder Youssouf Fofana (R) and Monaco's French forward Wissam Ben Yedder (L) warm up prior to the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and FC Lorient at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on April 16, 2023. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Monaco’s French midfielder Youssouf Fofana (R) and Monaco’s French forward Wissam Ben Yedder (L) warm up prior to the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and FC Lorient at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on April 16, 2023. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Over the weekend, French outlet L’Equipe reported that AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana was attracting interest from Arsenal, among a number of other English clubs.

Sami Mokbel and Simon Jones of the Daily Mail have since confirmed that Fofana could be a potential alternative option if Arsenal are unable to sign priority target Declan Rice.

As it stands, Arsenal are still very much in the race for Rice. The Mail report that the Gunners are set to make their third offer for the midfielder within 48 hours, after Manchester City’s first bid was turned down.

But a deal is yet to be struck, and it’s clear that City have the funds to match any bid that the Gunners make – if that’s what they want to do.

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MONACO, MONACO - FEBRUARY 23: Youssouf Fofana of AS Monaco battles for possession with Exequiel Palacios of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg two match between AS Monaco and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Stade Louis II on February 23, 2023 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
MONACO, MONACO: Youssouf Fofana of AS Monaco battles for possession with Exequiel Palacios of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off second leg match between AS Monaco and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Stade Louis II on February 23, 2023. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

Rice himself prefers a move to Arsenal, so if the two clubs both have a bid accepted, you’d expect the 24-year-old to move to north London.

But if City keep outbidding Arsenal to ensure they’re always offering West Ham the more favourable option, the move could still fall apart for Mikel Arteta’s side.

In that scenario, the Gunners would need to have a backup signing in mind, and reports suggest Fofana could be that player.

Monaco's French midfielder Youssouf Fofana reacts after receiving a red card during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and RC Strasbourg Alsace at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on April 02, 2023. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Monaco’s French midfielder Youssouf Fofana reacts after receiving a red card during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and RC Strasbourg Alsace at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on April 02, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

As well as Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham United are interested in Fofana from the Premier League, whilst Inter Milan and AS Roma are reportedly keeping an eye on him from Serie A.

According to reports, Monaco believe this is the right time to sell, and they’ve set an initial price tag of €35m (£30m).

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