Arsenal handed mixed Yves Bissouma transfer news

Arsenal’s Chances of Signing Yves Bissouma

Bissouma has requested to leave Brighton. This is a positive start to any potential signing.

It’s entirely understandable given his excellent form doesn’t warrant a lower bottom half finish each year, something that despite Brighton’s exciting brand of football, has not come any closer to being altered.

Graham Potter’s side are well aware that keeping hold of Bissouma beyond the summer won’t happen. He’s courted by numerous clubs in the Premier League and they do not have the project at hand to convince him of staying.

Arsenal are joined by Manchester City and Liverpool in leading the chase, with the big issue being Bissouma’s preference to be playing in the Champions League. You can’t blame him. As it is, only City can provide for certain that but their interest is not said to be anywhere near as concrete as the other parties.

Thus, Arsenal will be crossing their fingers for the Reds to miss out on a top four spot, which they are currently projected to do – unless Leicester bottle it again – to give them the upper hand. And that they do have, as it’s been previously reported that the 24-year-old’s first choice, above all, is Arsenal. He supported them as a kid and is still in regular contact with former teammates Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel.

Furthermore, The Times has the midfielder’s value down at around £30m, considerably less than the £40m that had been touted elsewhere. Arsenal are ‘confident’ that they will win the race this summer, although the lack of European football is expected to ‘damage’ the Gunners’ chances.

To claw back even the faintest inkling of belief from fans, signings such as Bissouma are imperative. Arteta mentioned being ruthless in the transfer market, presumably in regards to outgoings, but it can be no different for incomings.

Bissouma will improve this squad. There is no resting on laurels here: sell well, invest and replace.