Arsenal hijacked! Sunderland swoop to beat Mikel Arteta to £30m Lyon star Malick Fofana in deadline day shock
Sunderland has secured a £30 million deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana after Arsenal decided against pursuing the player. The transfer represents a significant investment for the Black Cats as they prepare for European competition.
Why it matters
The move highlights the competitive nature of the transfer market and Sunderland's ambition to strengthen their squad for higher-level play.
Sunderland have sensationally hijacked Arsenal's pursuit of Malick Fofana, agreeing a £30 million deadline-day deal with Lyon. The highly-rated Belgium international had previously held direct talks with Mikel Arteta regarding a move to north London. However, the Gunners ultimately opted against the transfer, allowing the Black Cats to swoop in and seal a massive coup.
Sunderland have struck an agreement with Lyon to sign winger Fofana, according to The Athletic . As per The Sun , the Black Cats will pay an initial £26m, with a further £4m tied up in performance-related add-ons. Fofana has been granted permission to travel to the North East for a medical ahead of Tuesday night's transfer deadline.
The 21-year-old is poised to sign a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light. The deal will keep him at the club until 2031, and includes an option for a further 12 months.
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