Al Nassr and Al Ittihad have both opened talks over a move for Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, setting up a new transfer tussle between the Saudi Pro League rivals, according to reports in Italy.
Calciomercato reports that the pair have added the France international to their shortlist for the current summer window, with both clubs seeking to strengthen in defensive midfield before the new season.
Besiktas were understood to be leading the race for the 27-year-old in recent days, but the Turkish club now face serious competition after the late intervention of Al Nassr and Al Ittihad.
Milan open to sale at the right price
Milan are prepared to sanction Fofana’s departure if their valuation is met, with the Serie A side looking for at least €20m.
The Italian club are also thought to be aiming to push that fee higher in light of the emerging interest from the two Saudi teams, who have been among the most active and best-resourced sides in the Pro League market over recent windows.
Fofana, who joined Milan from Monaco in the summer of 2024, has become a key figure at San Siro. He made 36 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
Al Nassr’s search for Brozovic replacement
Al Nassr are in the market for a defensive midfielder after the departure of Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic at the end of last season.
The Riyadh club are already close to securing a deal for Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa from Real Mallorca as they reshape the spine of their side, but Fofana has been identified as another potential solution in that position.
The addition of a player with Fofana’s profile would be aimed at bolstering Al Nassr’s options in front of the back line as they seek to compete domestically and in continental competition.
Al Ittihad weigh up options after Fabinho exit
Al Ittihad also need a new holding midfielder following the exit of Brazilian Fabinho at the end of last season.
The Jeddah side have been linked with several players for the role, including Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat, Egypt international Marwan Attia and Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika.
Fofana has now joined that list of targets, with Al Ittihad viewing the position as a priority area to address during the current transfer window.
Background and form at Milan
Since arriving from Monaco, Fofana has been regarded as one of Milan’s more influential midfielders, combining defensive work with an ability to contribute in attack.
His 36 outings last term, along with two goals and four assists, have underlined his status as a dependable option in the centre of the pitch and helped draw interest from clubs outside Europe.
With Milan open to a sale at the right price and competition growing between Besiktas, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, the France midfielder’s future is expected to be one of the more closely watched stories of the remaining summer transfer window.
