Arsenal decided not to pursue an upgrade on Granit Xhaka in the summer and instead chose to renew the player’s contract. Prior to the renewal, Arsenal had been linked to a number of central midfielders including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma.
The Malian international grew quite a following of Gunners supporters throughout the summer hoping to see the club push for the midfielder.
However, it wasn’t to be. Xhaka’s stay meant Arsenal moved for Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the final days of the window.
Bissouma has since remained on the south coast and a recent interview following 3 wins from an opening 4 games revealed the ambition he has for Brighton this season.
"We are working to be in the top ten, I think for me we can finish in the top ten or maybe a little bit higher. So, we just have to work towards that, and we are working for that," said Bissouma.
There is a clear indication of the motivation behind Bissouma to turn his side into a competitive force in the league.
Had he have joined Arsenal this summer, his ambitions for the team would surely have been even greater despite his clear humble nature.
It is hard not to look at the comments made by Xhaka in the summer regarding how ‘beautiful’ Rome was and not regret having a player like the former Lille man in the middle instead.
Arsenal have needed leadership for a significant period of time and the arrival of Sambi Lokonga, Ben White and Martin Odegaard certainly adds to that with their traits in that field.
However, these are all players, along with the other three who arrived this summer, of or under the age of 23.
Bissouma will be 26 by the close of the 2022 summer window, a player entering his prime years with plenty of Premier League experience under his belt. The perfect addition to the squad then to provide balance to the youthful side.
Should he have another great season and Arsenal fail to qualify for Europe, clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City, who have been credited with an interest in the past, would surely oust Arsenal as frontrunners for his signature.
Arsenal technical director Edu has been under intense scrutiny for Arsenal’s long-term transfer strategy whilst having such pressing short-term needs. Hearing the driven words of Bissouma are only going to intensify it further.
The respite for Edu will come in the form of the aforementioned Lokonga. The Belgian international has shown to be a true talent since his arrival from Anderlecht.
Playing in the role which could have been occupied by Bissouma, Lokonga’s mobility and recovery speed have added a much-needed variable that is lacking when Xhaka is playing.
With Thomas Partey back to full fitness ahead of Burnley, the prospect of the pair playing together competitively for the first time is something Arsenal fans are very excited about.
By the summer, Arsenal may not even need to think about Bissouma, Edu for one should be willing it into existence.
What could have Bissouma brought to Arsenal this season? Follow our new Arsenal Fan Brands Writer Tom Canton to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
