Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are reportedly in a four-way summer transfer tussle for Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Corentin Tolisso
Italian publication Calciomercato are claiming that Juventus are now set to face competition from the Premier League in their summer pursuit of Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Corentin Tolisso, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham all showing interest in the French international.
Corentin Tolisso is a product of the fabled French academy of Olympique Lyonnais. The player has made the senior cut a while ago and has since captured the imagination of the fans and on-lookers, with his incredible ability.
The 22-year-old has amassed a return of 14 goals and 6 assists this season, in 42 appearances in all competitions – a statistic that highlights his prolific nature, something which could relieve the pressure of the shoulders of the attackers, whichever team he ends up playing for.
Tolisso has always been on the radar of Arsenal, with Arsene Wenger in need of a box-to-box midfielder, especially after Jack Wilshere’s inability to live up to his true potential. Arsenal have failed to garner up goals from the midfield and the central area lacks a box-to-box midfielder in the present squad – something Tolisso can correct.
As far as Manchester City is concerned, Tolisso can act as a direct replacement for Yaya Toure, who looks set to exit the club in the summer – with his deal set to expire at the end of the season. Guardiola would love to add a midfielder who has goals in his kitty.
Corentin Tolisso this season: 14 goals and 6 assists. His best season for Lyon. pic.twitter.com/YSSisvAWWZ
— Coco? (@lanadawood) April 17, 2017
Tottenham, on the other hand, do not, in general need a central midfielder. However, Mousa Dembele is the only renowned quality box-to-box midfielder available to the manager and Tolisso’s arrival would add depth to the squad, which could be the difference between a title challenge and a title win.
However, Juventus have been leading the way currently in the chase for Tolisso. But, the arrival of interest from the aforementioned three clubs can complicate things in the summer. Tolisso’s deal runs out in 2020 and Lyon are likely to slap a considerable price tag on the player.
Tolisso is likely to exit the club however, as there is a general feeling that the player needs to move in order to take the next step in his career. And a move to the Premier League could be just what he needs in order to catch the genuine attention of the footballing world.
The question, though, remains as to which club he would prefer moving to. In our opinion, if Arsene Wenger ends up staying, a move to Arsenal or otherwise, Manchester City could be the most enterprising to the player – in terms of actual prospect of playing time.
The summer is likely to see a major overhaul at both Arsenal and Manchester City. And Tolisso could just be one of the many arrivals at one of these clubs.
