Newcastle United, Arsenal and Aston Villa are reportedly among the clubs interested in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma.
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly rejected a £30 million bid from an unnamed club for star midfielder Yves Bissouma amid interest from Newcastle United, Arsenal and Aston Villa. The Malian international is currently away at the Africa Cup Of Nations, but that has not stopped multiple Premier League outfits from circling around the enforcer to secure his signature.
As things stand, the 25-year-old is in the last 18 months of his contract, putting the Seagulls in a delicate position, although the player is in no rush to leave the Amex Stadium in January. Moreover, the south coast club is not planning to sell the player this month unless they receive an exceptional offer for their prized asset.
Since joining Brighton from Lille in 2018, Bissouma has progressed leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Graham Potter. He has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders in recent years owing to his exceptional ability to shield the ball in front of the defence, break up play and advance with the ball.
Bissouma has plenty of admirers across the Premier League, with Manchester United and Liverpool holding long-term interest in him, while Arsenal and Aston Villa are also in the hunt for his signature. Now, it seems cash-rich Newcastle United have joined the bandwagon of suitors.
Having conceded a whopping 43 goals after 20 league games, the Magpies have the second-worst defensive record in the division. In addition to their need to strengthen the backline, Newcastle need to improve further up their spine, given their midfield’s incapacity to shield the defence.
Signing someone with Premier League experience like Bissouma could be a shrewd move for Newcastle. He would, undoubtedly, be a huge upgrade on their current options and would inject some much-needed stability to their spine. In addition, his excellent dribbling ability means he would be a handy tool to initiate counter-attacking transitions.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, have already bolstered their midfield by bringing in Philippe Coutinho on loan, and it seems they are also on the lookout for a defensive midfielder owing to Marvelous Nakamba’s serious knee injury. Bissouma could be a quality addition and a statement signing while the Malian’s progression qualities would offer Steven Gerrard a different alternative to Douglas Luiz.
As for Arsenal, their interest in the Brighton midfielder crops up from their lack of depth in the midfield department. Mohamed Elneny is in the final six months of his contract and Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined AS Roma on loan.
The Gunners have long admired Bissouma’s talent, and he could be the ideal midfield partner for Thomas Partey at the Emirates. His aggression, versatility and defensive work rate make him a perfect fit in Mikel Arteta’s defence-oriented and highly disciplined tactical setup at Arsenal.
Newcastle, Arsenal and Aston Villa are all vying for Bissouma, who is contracted at the Amex Stadium till the summer of 2023. With around ten days left for the transfer window to slam shut, a late transfer tussle between the three clubs could very well be on the cards.