The potential ideal midfield signing for Arsenal could be disrupted by Real Madrid’s transfer hunt after losing out on Kylian Mbappe. Los Blancos have reportedly stepped up their pursuit for Aurelien Tchouameni, which could hurt the Gunners.
According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, AS Monaco wants Yves Bissouma to replace the outgoing Tchouameni. He goes on to claim that the Brighton midfielder has many offers, including a proposal from Aston Villa - though their deal to sign Boubacar Kamara from Marseille will likely end that pursuit.
The Gunners will need a midfielder in the summer transfer window. Arsenal have previously been linked with a deal for Bissouma, and acquiring him ahead of next season would certainly boost the strength of Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
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Bissouma could be signed for a bargain price with CIES Football Observatory quoting him at £12.5million. The midfielder’s current contract ends at the end of the next season, meaning the Seagulls will need to sell him in the summer or tie him to a new deal to prevent losing him on a free transfer.
The Gunners had also previously been linked to Bissouma, but are set to face competition for the midfielder. A deal becomes even more difficult if Manchester United enter into the race to sign him.
Bissouma has the quality and the confidence to match, as speaking to the BBC last year, he previously stated that he is aiming to become the best midfielder in the league. "I don’t want to be arrogant but that’s my mind. I think for me, it’s me because, in my head, I’m working to be the best," Bissouma said.
"I know the Premier League has many good midfielders, but for me, it’s me because that gives me confidence and energy to work hard to show people that 'I’m here, I’m Bissouma'."
Arsenal could be left short in midfield this summer, as football.london understands that Roma are expected to make a fresh attempt to sign Granit Xhaka at the end of the season.
This will mean that Thomas Partey and Mohammed Elneny would be the only experienced midfielders in the team. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Charlie Patino have the potential but are still yet to register a full Premier League season under their belt with regular game-time.
Bissouma would certainly be an excellent option for Arsenal, especially considering his cheap value. Edu should certainly explore this transfer and prevent Monaco replacing Tchouameni by signing him.
