Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly set to battle for Yves Bissouma in the summer, with the Brighton midfielder set to enter the final year of his contract.
According to Fichajes, Yves Bissouma is a target for many big clubs in the Premier League, and it looks like Arsenal and Liverpool could battle it out for the 25-year-old midfielder. The Malian international will have a year left in his contract at Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer, which boosts his chances of a departure.
Brighton reportedly wanted £50 million in the January transfer window but blocked over a late move. The Seagulls did not want to sell one of their best players on the cheap around that period, although they may be resigned to part ways with him in the summer.
Yves Bissouma has become a key part of Graham Potter’s side, but Brighton face an uphill task to keep him around beyond the current season. The 25-year-old midfielder’s deal expires in 2023, meaning he will be entering the last year of his contract in July, giving the Premier League outfit one last chance to make a profit.
Suitors may not be willing to pay the £50 million January asking price, and Brighton may drastically lower their demands. Aston Villa are one of the keener suitors after finding it beyond their means to broker a deal in the winter window.
Despite the strong interest from the Midlands club, Bissouma is understandably angling for a move to one of the big boys of the Premier League, as Newcastle United and Liverpool remain interested. The Reds, in particular, are looking for an able replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum since the Dutchman’s departure last summer.
They do have Fabinho as their first-choice holding midfielder, but Jurgen Klopp would like to add another option in the position to ease the burden on the Brazilian. Liverpool are also linked with Mikel Merino, but Bissouma’s qualities are more suited for the role.
Liverpool may consider themselves favourites to sign the 25-year-old midfielder, but they face competition from Arsenal, who are understood to be keen on signing the Malian. Mikel Arteta wants a new midfielder in the summer and the club have long been linked with Bissouma.
Last summer, Arteta had other priorities and decided against spending heavily on Bissouma. The need for a defensive midfielder is growing at Arsenal, and the club may look to test Brighton with an offer. The north Londoners will be hoping to crack a good deal without spending exorbitantly.
As things stand, the battle for Bissouma will get thicker in the coming months. Liverpool and Arsenal could consider themselves the favourites for the Malian’s signature, although time will tell where the Brighton midfielder ends up in the next window.
