Arsenal have reportedly made an enquiry to sign Yves Bissouma, who is set for a big move away from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.
According to a report by Daily Express, Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to sign Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window. The Gunners have made an approach for the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder during talks with agent Michael N’Cho Ibou over a possible deal for another one of his clients Evan N’Dicka.
Bissouma joined Brighton & Hove Albion from Lille in the summer of 2018 and has since grown into being one of the most important players for the Seagulls. The Malian has particularly grown in stature since the appointment of Graham Potter and has steadily grown in stature within the Premier League.
The 24-year-old is closing in on 100 appearances for Brighton, but could be playing his final season for the Seagulls. Indeed, his progress has captured the attention of a number of top Premier League teams, with Arsenal being one of the marquee names that have been in his pursuit ahead of the summer transfer window.
At Arsenal, Thomas Partey joined from Atletico Madrid last summer in what was seen as a major coup for the Gunners. While the Ghanaian has not been able to showcase his best abilities so far due to a few injury-related absences, he is slowly growing into a key figure for Mikel Arteta.
Granit Xhaka, too, is considered to be an important player by the Arsenal boss, but beyond him and Partey, the Premier League outfit do not have another regular option in midfield keeping the next season in mind. Dani Ceballos’s loan with Arsenal will expire at the end of the season and there are no guarantees he will be signed permanently while Mohamed Elneny is only a bit-part player.
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Therefore, Arsenal do need to bolster their midfield in the summer, with Franck Kessie one of the options considered by them. In Bissouma, though, they will have a player who is accustomed to the Premier League already, meaning he is unlikely to take long to settle in at the Emirates. The north Londoners, however, might have to pay a premium even if Brighton get relegated.
That is because there is no relegation clause in his contract, meaning the Seagulls will be able to command a high fee even if they drop down to the Championship. Nevertheless, Arsenal have made an approach to Michael N’Cho Ibou during talks over another one of his clients Evan N’Dicka and it remains to be seen if both players make their way to the Emirates come summer.
