Sources: Tottenham to try again for €50m Arsenal target after transfer was blocked on Deadline Day

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Tottenham Hotspur made a late, unsuccessful attempt to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana on the final day of the summer 2025 transfer window. The club sought to strengthen their attack following the arrival of Randal Kolo Muani, who was signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Tottenham engaged in a series of last-minute calls and talks to negotiate a deal for the 20-year-old Belgian forward but were ultimately turned away by Lyon, who demanded a substantial fee and doubted their ability to find a replacement in such a short time frame.

Malick Fofana has progressed significantly since joining Lyon from KAA Gent in January 2024, establishing himself as one of Ligue 1’s most promising young wingers with over 50 appearances, 16 goals, and 8 assists. His performances attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool, alongside Tottenham.

Despite failing to secure Fofana in 2025, Tottenham see him as a "serious candidate" for their attack and are likely to revisit the possibility of signing him when the transfer window reopens in January 2026. The club values his versatility, as he can play both wide and through the middle, offering a different tactical option in the final third. Spurs’ management described Fofana as being in the prime stage of his career, possessing qualities well-suited to the Premier League.

Fofana has been compared to Eden Hazard in terms of style, with standout attributes including his pace, acceleration, vision, creativity, and dribbling ability. However, concerns remain over his physicality and composure when facing the rigors of Premier League competition. Still, Tottenham evidently believe his positives outweigh any weaknesses and are prepared to pursue him again potentially in the winter window or next summer.

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