Ray Parlour suggests Yves Bissouma is ‘the one player’ Arsenal should sign to improve Mikel Arteta’s options in central midfield.
Plenty of clubs were linked with Yves Bissouma during the summer window, and it’s quite surprising the Brighton star remained at the Amex stadium. The Malian central midfielder, known for his destructive, defensive style of football, has been excellent for the Seagulls and could be the next hot property coming out of the club.
Arsenal, in particular, searched for a central midfielder in the summer, and with stories picking pace about Granit Xhaka’s impending exit, Bissouma was heavily linked. Even fans and pundits called for the Gunners to sign the Brighton star, but a move never materialised since the Swiss midfielder stayed.
Rated at a reported £40 million by Brighton, Bissouma stands to have a terrific future at any of the big six clubs and could be on the move either in January or next summer. The 25-year-old is proving to be the complete package in recent times, as he excels in defensive work and progressing the ball into good attacking areas.
Furthermore, he is a regular in Graham Potter’s plan and has the chance to showcase his ability further between now and the next transfer window or summer.
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has urged the club to move for Biussouma at the next available opportunity. Parlour stated the Malian is ‘the one midfielder’; he would want the Gunners to sign and improve their options in the centre.
Parlour said, “I’ve said for a long time that Bissouma is a top-class player. “I would love to see him at Arsenal; I said that in the transfer window: the one player I would like to see is Bissouma. I think he’s got everything. He’s efficient on the ball; he can put his foot in as well, he can pass.
“He probably could score a few more goals, I should imagine, but he’s not in the position to score goals. He’s the one that is going to keep everything ticking.”
Bissouma also had spoken about why he did not move out of Brighton and join another top side. The midfielder had commented, “I didn’t go this summer; maybe it’s because it’s not my time to go. When my time will come, it’s my time, but I’m happy in Brighton; I’m enjoying playing football.
“My dream is like every player; I want to play in the Champions League, I want to be champions. I want to compare myself on the top level, not just with other players.”
With Arsenal not in the Champions League and look far from being able to qualify this season, there is a chance, Bissouma might end up at one of their rivals. However, many unlikely transfers have happened in football for anyone to judge a likely outcome, and for all we know, Arsenal might be Bissouma’s next destination.
