Arsenal Set Yves Bissouma Transfer Date

Arsenal have concrete interest in Brighton’s Yves Bissouma.

The Malian forms part of a Brighton midfield that has struggled to secure points this season, as Graham Potter’s men sit perilously close to the Premier League relegation zone. Despite the Seagulls’ difficulties, Arsenal are hovering around them.

Not in terms of league position (sort of), but instead with an eye on making a move for Yves Bissouma, who continues to attract admiring glances from across the country for his combative, yet elegant displays in the heart of midfield.

Interest from Mikel Arteta in the 23-year-old is nothing new. Since arriving from Lille in 2018, Bissouma has continued to develop on the south coast, gradually making his way onto the radars of numerous sides. Last season was his best individual campaign to date, form he’s carried on improving to the point of continent-wide acclaim.

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On the list of targets under consideration, football.london revealed that a decision has been made by Arsenal about the midfielder, with their interest ‘genuine’. The club want to cement their adoration with a move, although one won’t take place until the summer.

That isn’t to say a January deal is out of the question. Situations can always change. However, for Arsenal the financial concerns are front and centre having just taken out a £120m loan to help pay staff and boost cash-flow in the short-term. It can’t be used on transfers.

Furthermore, Brighton are battling relegation and will be unwilling to sell unless for a substantial fee, not to mention more players need to depart north London prior to Arsenal signing another central midfielder.

Arteta’s side find themselves in a strong position when they make a legitimate move, as Bissouma ‘loves the Premier League’ and has Arsenal as his first choice destination if any interested party were to come in for his signature. Something, something different knock, right?

Despite the fondness for Bissouma, there are some reservations among the Arsenal hierarchy about an element of his game.

Yves Bissouma Reservations

Why exactly Arsenal are keen on Bissouma is no great secret. A combative, relentless and well-rounded midfielder, he brings ball progression and ball protection in equal measures.

Mobile and athletic, his composure in possession is crucial in the modern game for players in his position. Someone who can receive the ball with grace in the midst of an opposition press and break through those lines is invaluable in the modern game.

He does, unfortunately, have a penchant for a card. Indeed, Arsenal do have concerns over his disciplinary record, one which reads five yellow cards and one red in 16 appearances for Brighton this season. 28 fouls committed this season is also the fourth-highest total in the Premier League.

This is something that can be eradicated from a player’s game, while equally the style your team plays can have an impact on whether they’re committing more tactical fouls or cynical ones.

No other concerns are mentioned in Arsenal’s tracking of Bissouma and he’s considered as an ideal long-term partner for Thomas Partey, a midfield pivot that whets the appetite. Contacts have been made with the player’s agent, Michael N’Cho, although discussions are at an early stage.

However, given it’s a summer move that is penciled in, who are the players that could make way to account for Bissouma’s arrival? Three key ones were listed.

Dani Ceballos, Granit Xhaka and Joe Willock

The obvious one is Dani Ceballos, who has failed to kick on from an impressive end to last season, starting 12 matches this term and recording just the solitary assist.

His deal runs out in the summer and it would be a genuine shock to see it renewed or indeed made permanent. With more than half of the current campaign left and Arsenal battling on three different fronts, he will still doubtlessly have an important role to play.

Still, and even with a significant upturn in form, the Spaniard’s time in north London will come to an end in the summer, with more bodies then needed.

There is also Granit Xhaka, who continues to cause divisions in the fanbase but is widely revered as someone who needs to be upgraded. For now his place in the Arsenal side is required, but he’s also listed as someone whose future is ‘uncertain’.

Finally there is Joe Willock, who is classed as unequipped to be a first team regular just yet. There is still hope that he can transfer his Europa League form into tougher Premier League encounters, but with each underwhelming outing those beliefs wane.

What will come of Willock in the summer remains to be seen, with a loan or even permanent departure in the offing.

Those three central midfielders were listed in the report – it’s fair to say Mohamed Elneny can be added to that trio – leaving any Bissouma move as a summer venture.