Liverpool, Arsenal & Chelsea in Transfer War for Lyon Wonderkid Malick Fofana
Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all in the mix for one of Europe’s most talked-about young stars — Malick Fofana — as Lyon brace for a summer auction. The 20-year-old Belgian winger is attracting serious attention across the continent after a breakout 2024/25 campaign, and Lyon have now slapped a £51.5m (€60m) minimum price tag on their prized asset.
Fofana finished the season with 11 goals in 41 appearances, showcasing blistering pace, sharp dribbling and positional versatility that allows him to play across any attacking position. His rise was capped off with a first senior call-up to the Belgian national team, adding more value to an already glowing profile.
But this isn’t just a Premier League battle. Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Napoli are also reportedly in talks — turning this into a full-on European tug-of-war. According to The Independent, Lyon are hoping the sheer level of interest will drive his price up, as they aim to spark a bidding war among the clubs involved.
However, Lyon’s situation adds a twist. Off the pitch, they’re facing financial issues and have been controversially demoted from Ligue 1, a decision they’re currently appealing. Their Europa League qualification is also under review, and with the pressure mounting to balance the books, Fofana’s sale is being viewed as one of their quickest routes to raise cash.
Clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal see this as a major opportunity. While Lyon want to hold out for top dollar, they could be forced to sell quicker than expected, and any offer close to the asking price might be enough to seal a deal.
At just 20, Malick Fofana is a serious talent with a massive ceiling. With his pace, technique and ability to fit into multiple systems, he could be the perfect addition to a top-tier squad.
The race is heating up — and Lyon’s loss might just become someone’s massive gain.