Manchester United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye, according to reports
According to the Sunday Mirror, Idrissa Gueye is “well liked” by Jose Mourinho who is reportedly looking to bring a defensive midfielder to Old Trafford in the summer, with the Senegalese defensive midfielder on his list of targets.
Gueye joined Aston Villa from French side Lille in 2015 for a £9 million fee but after the club were relegated, Everton triggered a release clause in his contract and signed the midfielder for a fee of just £7.5 million – a bargain considering his impressive performances for Villa in his debut season in the Premier League.
Gueye was one of Villa’s only players to emerge with any sort of credit from their disastrous 2015-16 campaign and he has continued his fine form for Everton this season under new manager Ronald Koeman.
One of the most consistent defensive midfielders in the league, Gueye also regularly averages great numbers and has been registering an average of 3.66 tackles won, 2.49 interceptions and an 85% pass completion rate per 90 minutes in the English Premier League for Everton this season, according to Squawka.
Gueye’s tireless performances and tenacious style have led to several comparisons with Chelsea’s star midfielder N’Golo Kante and it is no surprise that he has caught the eye of several big clubs in England.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the Senegalese midfielder which comes as no surprise given how poorly their midfield has performed this season. Francis Coquelin has been completely underwhelming while Granit Xhaka’s recklessness is a huge concern and has already cost the Gunners this season.
Gueye’s consistency and brilliant defensive ability would provide the perfect foil for Xhaka. Jack Wilshere’s future is uncertain and with Santi Cazorla’s fitness issues, the Gunners definitely need reinforcements in midfield this summer – particularly when it comes to their defensive midfield options.
Manchester United are also on the lookout for a defensive midfielder as Michael Carrick is set to retire at the end of the season. Gueye could form a good partnership with Paul Pogba, who will be given even more freedom to roam seeing as he will have a reliable partner behind him.
Despite Marouane Fellaini’s stock rising as the season has progressed, United are crying out for a specialist defensive midfielder and Gueye has proven over the last two seasons that he is exactly that.
However, both clubs will likely find it hard to tempt Everton to sell. The Blues now have Farhad Moshiri’s riches backing them and given Gueye has a contract until 2020, they will be under no pressure to sell the Senegalese defensive midfielder.
