Arsenal handed transfer deadline day hammer blow as Premier League rivals agree deal

Transfer deadline day is always a rollercoaster day for all teams, but there has been a particularly huge set-back for Arsenal

Arsenal transfer target Malick Fofana has agreed a deal to join Sunderland. He had been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as an option for left-wing.

The Belgian international was reportedly offered to the Gunners by his side Lyon. Mikel Arteta's side have been looking for a new left-winger having sold Leandro Trossard and agreed a club record sale which will see Gabriel Martinelli move to Al-Hilal for around £60million.

However, Fofana will not be the left-wing option the reigning Premier League champions are craving. He has been given permission to travel to the North East ahead of a transfer to Sunderland.

According to the Athletic, Sunderland have now reached an agreement with Lyon to sign the 21-year-old. He will now head to the Stadium of Light for a medical test before penning a five-year deal, which also includes the option for a further 12 months.

It's the latest transfer disappointment for Arsenal in regards to making additions to their front-line. The £34million arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge is the only forward signing they have made this summer.

READ MORE: Follow our live updates on transfer deadline day as Arsenal explore incomings and outgoings!

Arteta has reinforced his back-line and midfield by signing Illan Meslier, Piero Hincapie, Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal have been chasing a marquee attacking signing to boost their trophy hopes.

Morgan Rogers appeared to be their first transfer target, but he opted to move to Chelsea for £117m. They then made an audacious bid to sign Vinicius Junior, but after several weeks of negotiations, Real Madrid convinced him to sign a new contract.

The links to Fofana also emerged amid the recent updates around Arsenal's pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The Argentinian looks set to remain at Atletico Madrid.

It was recently reported Alvarez has informed Arteta he does not want to move to north London this summer. He has also returned to full-time training with Atletico, the clearest sign he is not going to leave the Spanish capital.

After the 1-0 away victory over Aston Villa, Arteta suggested the Gunners will be looking to complete some late deals on transfer deadline day. He said: "We are trying to improve the squad and until tomorrow night we're going to try to do that.

"I've been disconnected from the world for 24 hours because I think my energy and focus has to be on the match, and I will get back on it now."