Sunderland have finally got their man, completing a £30.8m deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana after a chaotic deadline day, according to Sky Sports.
The move was thrown into doubt when Crystal Palace emerged as late contenders for the France youth international, setting up a frantic scramble that reportedly involved one medical, two clubs and two private jets before Sunderland won out.
Arsenal were also said to have monitored Fofana's situation but ultimately opted against making a formal move, leaving the path clear for Sunderland to push the deal over the line.
Fofana becomes one of the standout signings of Sunderland's summer business, with the winger's pace and directness expected to add fresh attacking impetus as the club look to build on their return to the Premier League.