Arsenal have a lot of work to do this summer as the gunners look to bolster their squad. But Arsenal could receive some help as their midfield target for the summer has handed in a transfer request to his club. Arteta has identified the positions that need reinforcement and shortlisted the players as well. A new striker will arrive at the Emirates and there’s no doubt about it.
However, Arteta has asked for two more signings which include a central midfielder. As a result, Arsenal have Brighton’s Yves Bissouma on their radar for a summer transfer. Per 90min, Bissouma wants to take his game to the elite clubs and has asked Brighton to let him leave in the summer.
Bissouma a long-term transfer target of Arsenal
Arsenal are long admirers of the Brighton midfielder as they were tipped to make a move for him last summer. Mikel Arteta was heavily impressed by Bissouma and considered him a perfect player for the gunners. However, due to numerous reasons, Arsenal couldn’t sign their prime target over the last couple of transfer windows. Rumors tell that Arsenal anticipated Granit Xhaka‘s exit which could have opened the doors for Bissouma.
But they can make a move for Bissouma this summer as Brighton too are looking forward to his sale. The Seagulls know they have a prized asset at their hands and want a handsome fee for Bissouma. The Mali international’s current market stands at £22.5 million (per transfermrkt.com). Brighton however wants more than double their midfielder’s market value. The south coast club has set the asking price of Yves Bissouma at £50 million. And given his consistency with powerful performances, Brighton knows the interested parties will sign a cheque of that amount.
Aston Villa also in the fray for Bissouma
Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa are also highly interested in acquiring the services of Yves Bissouma. According to The Telegraph, Aston Villa even got a bid rejected for Bissouma in January. The Midlands club reportedly tabled an offer of £25 million which was considered not enough by Brighton. Graham Potter’s side are firm on their decision of letting Bissouma go only for a price of £50 million.
Both Arsenal and Aston Villa will enter a battle for their top target in the summer transfer window. Moreover, both the clubs have prepared a revaluated offer for Bissouma. The midfielder has consistently upped his game over the last two seasons. In this league 20 games this season, Bissouma has put in an impressive 3.2 successful tackles along with 2 interceptions per game. The 25-year-old also boasts a dribble success rate of 67.5% for this season.
However, Arsenal and Villa could face more competition for Bissouma in the summer. As the midfielder himself requested a transfer, Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle and Leicester are all keeping an eye on Bissouma’s situation. The Arsenal transfer target deserves a move to one of the big clubs after his development with the Seagulls. Arsenal legend Ian Wright even labeled Bissouma as “sensational” when talking on his Wrighty’s House Podcast.
Wright said,
“Bissouma at Brighton, for me, he’s sensational”. “Watch his highlights. He’s an exceptional six, an exceptional eight and an exceptional 10. He does all of those roles,”
added the Arsenal great.
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