Youssouf Fofana looks to be leaving AS Monaco for AC Milan, with links to Arsenal fading and new reports playing them down.

Monaco's Youssouf Fofana (L) fights for the ball with Metz's Danley Jean Jacques (R) during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and FC Metz at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on October 22, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana (L) fights for the ball with Metz’s Danley Jean Jacques (R) during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and FC Metz at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on October 22, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports that AC Milan have agreed terms with Youssouf Fofana of AS Monaco, with talks on between the two clubs over his fee.

Fofana had previously been linked with Arsenal, but Romano writes that he’s never been aware of any talks with the Gunners, and they never sent a bid for his services.

France's midfielder Youssouf Fofana controls the ball during the friendly football match between France and Scotland at Pierre-Mauroy stadium, in Villeneuve-D'Ascq, northern France, on October 17, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
France’s midfielder Youssouf Fofana controls the ball during the friendly football match between France and Scotland at Pierre-Mauroy stadium, in Villeneuve-D’Ascq, northern France, on October 17, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

The midfielder is in the final year of his deal, he reportedly feels ready for a new opportunity, and there are no talks for a new contract, so he was always expected to leave.

Arsenal appear to be on the lookout for a midfield signing, and Romano wrote earlier this year that the Gunners did send scouts to watch him. But it seems that’s as far as it went.

Monaco's Youssouf Fofana celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Lille (LOSC) at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on April 24, 2024. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Lille (LOSC) at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on April 24, 2024. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Fofana played 35 times for Monaco this season, scoring four goals and assisting four more from his defensive midfield role.

Assuming all goes smoothly in club-to-club talks, he’ll soon be announced as an AC Milan player.