Liverpool are reportedly set to hold talks with Yves Bissouma, while Arsenal are ready to offer Eddie Nketiah in the deal to land the Malian midfielder.
According to a report by Sussex Live, Arsenal are willing to offer Eddie Nketiah as a makeweight to secure the services of Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder’s agent is set to hold talks with Liverpool over a possible £40 million move.
Bissouma has become one of the most dependable midfielders in the Premier League since joining Brighton & Hove Albion from Lille in the summer of 2018. It is particularly under the tutelage of Graham Potter that the 24-year-old has come leaps and bounds, and he is now a pivotal figure for the Seagulls.
Till date, the Malian international has amassed close to 100 appearances for Brighton, chipping in with 4 goals and an assist. However, after making quite an impression this season, it looks like a summer move away from the Amex Stadium is on the cards, having seen a number of clubs show an interest in signing him. In particular, Arsenal and Liverpool have been hot on his trails.
The interest from Arsenal makes a great deal of sense, seeing as Dani Ceballos has completed his second loan spell, while Matteo Guendouzi has a non-existent future at the Emirates. That leaves Mikel Arteta with Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and the squad option in Mohamed Elneny as the only other midfielders at his disposal.
With Joe Willock also being courted by Newcastle United for a permanent switch, the fact that the Gunners reportedly submitted an enquiry for Bissouma is definitely warranted. However, Arsenal face stiff competition from Liverpool, who are keen on signing the 24-year-old as well.
As per Anfield Central, the Reds are set to press ahead with their interest in Bissouma, with talks being scheduled for Friday with the player’s agent. It is hardly surprising that Liverpool are eager to secure the services of the Brighton midfielder, following the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum as a free agent.
In fact, the Merseyside outfit have even vetted Bissouma and are now being tipped to be leading the race to sign him, as they managed to secure Champions League football for next season while Arsenal missed out qualifying for any form of European football. Liverpool, though, will need to shell out £40 million to land their midfield target and it will be interesting to see if they are ready to match Brighton’s valuation.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are prepared to offer Eddie Nketiah in the deal to sign Bissouma and bring his £40 million price tag down. However, with Liverpool the favourites to sign him, it remains to be seen if Bissouma becomes their second summer signing after Ibrahima Konate.