Villarreal CF has presented a formal contract offer to French midfielder Youssouf Fofana, a 27-year-old player from AC Milan. The club is looking to strengthen their midfield by request of Iñigo Pérez, their sports director. The negotiation has started with AC Milan, which sets a transfer price between 18 and 20 million euros. Fofana has 25 international caps and 3 goals with the French national team, but does not fit into the tactical plans of coach Rubén Amorim for the 2026/2027 season. Villarreal CF's goal is to offer Fofana a starting role in midfield, which could convince him to accept the offer. However, they are not the only club interested in signing him, as Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have also made direct contract offers to the player. Additionally, Ipswich Town and Betis are monitoring his situation to assess a possible move in the transfer window. The negotiation between Villarreal CF and AC Milan will take place during the second week of August 2026, with the goal of reaching an agreement close to 18 million euros. If an economic deal is reached with AC Milan, Villarreal CF's executives will finalize the contract terms with Fofana's agents to arrange his medical examination in Spain. Currently, Villarreal CF is in third place in the league, with 61 points, 19 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses in 31 games, and a goal difference of +20. They are 18 points behind the leaders, Barcelona.