Arsenal have now been told a price as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his central midfield department.

The Gunners are close to signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna - having already wrapped up a deal for Tommy Setford last week.

Now, one of Arsenal's midfield targets has been given a reasonable price tag...

Arsenal told Youssouf Fofana price tag A story from Get French Football News now claims that Monaco want EUR35m (PS30m) to sell Youssouf Fofana this summer.

The France international has made a name for himself after a stunning 2023/24 campaign, in which he scored four goals and provided four assists in 32 Ligue 1 appearances from defensive midfield.

It comes after L'Equipe claimed that Arsenal have been in talks with Monaco about signing Fofana this summer.

Thomas Partey is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium in the current transfer window, so Arteta and Edu are clearly on the hunt for a new central midfielder.

The story also mentions that AC Milan recently agreed personal terms with the Frenchman, but are yet to agree a fee with Monaco.

If Arsenal did manage to sign the 25-year-old, it would presumably please Cesc Fabregas, who called Fofana an "aggressive" player after playing alongside him at Monaco.

Mikel Arteta and Edu have alternatives If Arsenal end up missing out on Fofana to Manchester United or AC Milan, there are a couple of alternatives to pursue.

One option is Adrien Rabiot, who is now available for free after Juventus announced his departure upon the expiry of his contract.

Interestingly, TEAMtalk believe Arsenal are considering a move for the France international.

The Spain international has put his name up in lights this summer by helping his country win UEFA Euro 2024, memorably scoring a last gasp winner in the quarter-final against Germany.

A story from the Mirror claims that Real Sociedad are resigned to losing Merino this summer after he held talks about a move to Arsenal.

Therefore, it would be a major surprise if Arsenal failed to sign at least one new central midfielder this summer - given the options that are available.