Sunderland Secures Malik Fofana, a Player Also Eyed by Arsenal

Sunderland, rivals to Levski in the Europa League group stage, have reached an agreement with Lyon for the transfer of winger Malik Fofana. The 21-year-old has been granted permission to travel to England for a medical examination before signing a five-year contract with an option for an additional 12 months.

While the transfer documentation is not yet finalized, the deal is expected to be completed before Tuesday evening's deadline.

Arsenal also showed interest in the Belgian international, with Fofana even holding talks with manager Mikel Arteta. However, the Gunners were reportedly unwilling to pay over £30 million for his services.

This summer, Sunderland, set to compete in this year's Europa League, has already bolstered Régis Le Bris' squad with full-backs Thomas Meunier and Dayan Metali, as well as midfielder Jules Ahoka.

Strengthening the attack has also been a priority, with potential transfers for Igor Paixão from Marseille and Jack Grealish from Manchester City being explored. However, Grealish is now reportedly on his way back to Everton.

Fofana has scored two goals in six appearances for Lyon this season, finding the net in the Champions League playoff second leg against Fenerbahçe and in the 2-0 victory over Toulouse on the opening day of Ligue 1. In two and a half years at the French club, he has scored 19 goals in 83 matches.

Last summer, Chelsea made a verbal inquiry for him, and Everton held discussions regarding a potential transfer.

After progressing through all of Belgium's youth national teams up to the U21 level, Fofana made his senior international debut in October 2024, earning the first of his five caps to date. He scored his first goal for his country in September during a 6-0 World Cup qualifier win against Liechtenstein but was not included in the squad for the summer tournament.

The winger is a product of the Gent academy in his native Belgium, making his first-team debut in July 2022. For the club, he played 64 matches, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists, before joining Lyon for €17 million in January 2024.