Arsenal’s Transfer Hijacking Spree: From Tottenham Raids to Everton Gazumping

Well, well, well. Here we go again with Arsenal playing their favorite summer game: “Let’s snatch players from under everyone else’s noses.” Fresh off reportedly hijacking Tottenham’s move for Eberechi Eze, the Gunners are now setting their sights on Lyon’s Malick Fofana—a player Everton thought they had a shot at. Because apparently, one transfer hijack per window just isn’t enough for Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Arsenal’s Latest Transfer Target: Malick Fofana

According to L’Équipe, Arsenal have joined Bayern Munich in monitoring the 20-year-old Lyon winger, who’s valued at around €40 million (£34.6m). Everton already tried their luck with a €35 million (£30m) bid, but Fofana wasn’t having any of it. Why? Because the lad wants Champions League football, and let’s be honest, Everton’s idea of European competition these days involves fighting relegation battles.

The young French winger has been impressive for Lyon, bagging 15 goals and eight assists in 63 appearances. Not bad for someone who’s barely old enough to legally drink in the States. But here’s where it gets interesting—Arsenal are reportedly having second thoughts about Gabriel Martinelli’s long-term suitability for the left wing position.

Why Arsenal Are Doubting Gabriel Martinelli

Now, this is where things get spicy. After years of hyping up Martinelli as the next big thing, Arsenal fans are starting to see some cracks in the armor. The Brazilian’s inconsistency has become as predictable as Arsenal’s annual late-season collapse (though to be fair, they’ve been better about that lately).

Martinelli’s pace is undeniable, but his final product? That’s been about as reliable as British weather. When you’re trying to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool, having a winger who disappears for weeks at a time isn’t exactly ideal. So naturally, Arsenal are looking at Fofana as a potential upgrade—or at least some serious competition.

The timing is perfect too. With Viktor Gyokeres already signed and Eze’s move reportedly close to completion, Arsenal have already splashed over £200 million this summer. What’s another €40 million when you’re on a spending spree that would make Roman Abramovich blush?

Arsenal’s Transfer Window Strategy

Let’s take a step back and admire the sheer audacity of Arsenal’s transfer approach this window. They’ve gone from penny-pinching under the Kroenkes to spending like they’ve discovered oil under the Emirates. The Gyokeres signing alone shows they mean business, and now they’re potentially adding both Eze and Fofana to the mix.

But here’s the kicker—Arsenal aren’t just buying players; they’re strategically dismantling their rivals’ transfer plans. First, they swoop in on Tottenham’s Eze deal (because nothing says “North London Derby” like stealing each other’s targets), and now they’re eyeing Everton’s Fofana pursuit. It’s like watching a master class in transfer market trolling.

The club’s willingness to spend big also suggests they’re finally serious about challenging for the Premier League title. After years of “almost but not quite,” Arteta seems to have convinced the board that half-measures won’t cut it anymore.

What This Means for Arsenal’s Squad

If Arsenal manage to land both Eze and Fofana, their attacking options would look absolutely stacked. You’d have genuine competition for places, which is something they’ve lacked in recent years. No more automatic starting spots based on reputation—players would actually have to earn their minutes.

For Martinelli, this could be the wake-up call he needs. Competition breeds excellence, and having Fofana breathing down his neck might just bring out the best in the Brazilian. Or it could signal the beginning of the end for his Arsenal career. Football’s funny like that.

The potential arrival of Fofana would also give Arteta tactical flexibility. The French winger can play across the front line, providing cover and competition in multiple positions. In a long Premier League season, that depth could be the difference between challenging for titles and falling short in the final stretch.

The Financial Reality Check

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—money. Arsenal have already spent over £200 million this summer, and adding Fofana would push that figure well beyond £240 million. For a club that once hesitated to spend £40 million on anyone, this represents a seismic shift in approach.

But here’s the thing: in today’s inflated transfer market, this is what competing at the top costs. Manchester City and Chelsea have been throwing money around for years, and Arsenal have finally decided to join the party. The question isn’t whether they can afford it—it’s whether they can afford not to spend.

The Fofana deal makes even more sense when you consider his age and potential. At 20, he’s got his best years ahead of him, and if he develops as expected, that €40 million could look like a bargain in a few years’ time.

What Happens Next?

As L’Équipe notes, “things could accelerate in the final days of the transfer window, especially in the Premier League.” With less than two weeks left in the window, Arsenal need to move quickly if they want to secure Fofana’s signature.

The fact that Bayern Munich are also interested adds urgency to the situation. While Arsenal can offer Champions League football and Premier League exposure, Bayern brings a different kind of prestige and development opportunity. It’s a genuine battle for one of Europe’s most promising young talents.

For Everton fans, this must feel like watching your crush get asked to prom by the popular kid. They identified Fofana as a target, made their move, got rejected, and now have to watch bigger clubs swoop in. It’s brutal, but that’s modern football.

Arsenal’s transfer strategy this summer has been nothing short of aggressive, and adding Fofana would complete what could be one of the most impressive windows in recent memory. Whether it translates to success on the pitch remains to be seen, but one thing’s for certain—they’re not messing around anymore.