Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana at centre of transfer battle between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad

Al Nassr and Al Ittihad have both moved to sign Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana in what is shaping up to be a fresh Saudi Pro League transfer tussle this summer.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the two Saudi clubs have placed the France international on their shortlist and are exploring a deal in the current transfer window.

The 27-year-old had appeared close to joining Besiktas in recent hours, with the Turkish club considered the frontrunner for his signature, before Al Nassr and Al Ittihad entered the race.

Milan are open to selling Fofana but only if they receive what they deem to be an appropriate offer. The Serie A side are said to want at least €20m and are now looking to push that figure higher following the arrival of interest from the Saudi duo.

Al Nassr seek replacement for Brozovic

Al Nassr are targeting a defensive midfielder this summer after the departure of Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic at the end of last season.

The Riyadh club are already close to signing Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa from Real Mallorca as part of their rebuild in the centre of the pitch, but Fofana has emerged as another leading candidate to anchor their midfield.

Al Ittihad rebuild after Fabinho exit

Al Ittihad are also in the market for a player in the same position following the exit of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho at the end of the last campaign.

The Jeddah side have been linked with several options as they assess how best to fill the vacancy at the base of midfield. Those under consideration include Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat, Egypt international Marwan Attia and Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika.

Fofana has now joined that list of potential recruits as Al Ittihad weigh up whether to rival Al Nassr’s interest with a formal bid.

Key figure at Milan

Fofana, who joined Milan from Monaco in the summer of 2024, has quickly become an important part of the Italian club’s midfield.

He made 36 appearances for Milan last season, scoring two goals and providing four assists, underlining his value as a box-to-box presence capable of contributing both defensively and in attack.

With Besiktas still in the frame and Milan holding out for a sizable fee, the coming days are expected to be decisive in determining whether the France midfielder’s next move takes him to Turkey or to one of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs.