Transfer: Why Arteta blocked Malick Fofana from joining Arsenal

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta blocked Lyon winger, Malick Fofana from joining the club on deadline day.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal did not pursue a last-minute deal for the winger after Arteta raised concerns about him.

The Belgium international became a target late in the transfer window as Arsenal contemplated bolstering their attacking options following several high-profile rejections.

Attempts to secure Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior did not come to fruition, with Christos Tzolis being the only addition to replace Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

The Gunners had hoped to make a late acquisition of Atletico Madrid striker, Julian Alvarez, but the Argentine signalled his reluctance to return to the Premier League.

Nevertheless, Arsenal were presented with the opportunity to sign Fofana on deadline day, as Lyon sought to generate funds after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

The 21-year-old had previously attracted interest from Liverpool and Chelsea and was available for approximately £30 million, a fee comparable to what Arsenal paid to acquire Tzolis earlier in the summer.

However, The Athletic reported that Arsenal were only inclined to pursue a loan arrangement to avoid the risk of violating UEFA’s spending regulations.

It was also reported that Arteta had a conversation with Fofana but harboured concerns about the winger’s ability to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.

Despite Arsenal’s decision, Fofana ultimately made his way to the English top flight following a dramatic transfer battle between Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

Sunderland initially secured a deal for the winger before Palace attempted to hijack the transfer by agreeing to a similar arrangement with Lyon.

In the end, Sunderland salvaged the deal by offering a higher commission to the Belgian’s agents, culminating in a five-year contract for the speedy winger.