Arsenal could make move for Monaco's Youssouf Fofana if Declan Rice bid fails

Arsenal have identified Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana as a potential alternative to Declan Rice should their expected third bid be rejected by West Ham.

The Gunners have been tipped to counter Manchester City's £90 million bid for Rice, which was promptly rejected by the Hammers who are unwilling to budge on their £100m asking price.

While the east London side are thought to want more of the fee paid up front in two separate instalments before 2025.

In the meantime, Arsenal are closing in on a £65m deal for Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, after the Germany international completed the first part of his medical, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Rice remains Mikel Arteta's priority summer transfer target, with the Spaniard viewing him as a future captain at the Emirates, according to the Daily Mail.

However, should Manchester City beat them to the 24-year-old's signature, Fofana has emerged as a potential option.

Fofana seen as alternative to Rice

Fofana, also 24, featured at the World Cup for France in Qatar and could is seen as a 'potential alternative option' to Rice, claim the Daily Mail.

However, the Gunners are set to face competition for the defensive midfielder, with Newcastle also interested in signing him.

West Ham are another club thought to be keeping tabs as they seek a long-term replacement for Rice.

A separate report from French publication L'Equipe claims that Fofana will be allowed to leave Monaco if a 'reasonable offer' arrives, but adds that no official bid has been lodged yet.

Fofana made six appearances for France at the World Cup, including two starts. While he played 25 minutes during the thrilling final against Argentina.

He made 36 appearances for Monaco in Ligue 1 last term, notching two goals, providing two assists and topping the club's statistic charts for average interceptions and clearances per game (via WhoScored).