How could the addition of Yves Bissouma boost Arsenal's prospects next season?

How could the addition of Yves Bissouma boost Arsenal's prospects next season? 

By Peter White

While Sunday’s 2-0 win at Newcastle served a welcome boost ahead of Thursday’s do-or-die Europa League showdown with Villarreal, news that Arsenal are leading the race for the summer signature of Yves Bissouma earlier this week was further cause for smiles among the Emirates faithful. 

The Gunners have reportedly been long-term admirers of the Brighton midfielder, with sustained interest during the winter transfer window eventually coming to nothing after creative star Martin Odegaard was supposedly prioritised. 

But the Arsenal hierarchy have kept tabs on the 24-year-old Mali international, who has emerged as one of the Seagulls’ most prized assets throughout a season in which they have largely delivered more on the pitch than their results would suggest. 

Having left Lille for the south coast in a £15m deal in 2018, it is widely acknowledged that Bissouma is ready for his next step up, with Arsenal keen to add him to their ranks alongside the likes of Everton, West Ham, and Tottenham. 

Recent reports have suggested that the Gunners are in pole position with a bid of approximately £30m supposedly on the cards, which could mark the latest high-profile addition to Arsenal’s midfield, after Thomas Partey and the aforementioned loanee, Odegaard. 

Formerly teammates with Gabriel Magalhaes and Nicolas Pepe during his time at French Ligue 1 outfit Lille, a chance to turn out for a heavyweight of European football while retaining a sense of familiarity could well appeal to Bissouma. 

Excitement among Gunners supporters certainly went up a notch when Bissouma reportedly viewed an Instagram story on fan account @afcstuff, about his impending move to north London. 

So, while the current squad continue their preparation for Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final second leg clash, we take a look at what we know about box-to-box general Bissouma, and what he could bring to the table next year. 

Strong impression on the south coast 

Chris Hughton was the man in charge at the Amex back when the then 21-year-old Bissouma was drafted in at Brighton nearly three years ago, having shown his burgeoning potential with two goals in 55 appearances for Lille. 

Since then the Ivory Coast-born star has gone from strength-to-strength, making close to 100 appearances in the English top flight and finding the net on five occasions. 

In 31 Premier League outings this term Bissouma has averaged 2.8 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, above any Arsenal player for both metrics. 

While defensively solid, Bissouma has showcased his ability at both ends of the pitch, with 1.2 shots and 1.5 dribbles per game indicating the creative spark he could provide Arsenal’s already potent frontline. 

And though Bissouma has gradually established himself as one of Brighton’s key players, Seagulls boss Graham Potter expects him to get even better as he reaches the peak years of his career. 

He said: “He has certainly improved. The exciting thing for Yves is he can improve some more. 

“He’s not at the top yet, but he’s got incredible potential and incredible talent. He’s got the attributes to play midfield in any game in the world.”

Filling a void

Despite splashing approximately £45m on Partey last year there is still ample room for improvement in Arsenal’s midfield, with the Ghanaian’s injury troubles this season just one sign that further additions need to be made. 

A lack of cover at left-back has seen former captain Granit Xhaka deployed there in recent weeks, opening the door for Dani Ceballos and Mohamed Elneny to gather minutes on the field that they perhaps don’t deserve. 

Regardless of the fact that on-loan Real Madrid player Ceballos looks set for an Emirates exit this summer, his recent string of high-profile errors has seen fans calling for a more reliable replacement. 

Likewise Elneny has largely flattered to deceive during his five years with the club, and despite being regarded as a safe pair of hands by boss Mikel Arteta, supporters are likely to insist that he remains in merely a supporting role. 

Finally, though Bissouma predominantly plays in a different style to Odegaard the Norwegian’s uncertain future suggests that any signings in the Arsenal midfield could prove useful in the coming months. 

A statement of intent

It’s no secret that the upcoming transfer window is likely to signal a wave of incomings and outgoings at Arsenal, with Arteta already admitting this is the most important summer for a number of years. 

He said: “A lot of things have happened in the last few transfer windows and there are a lot of players in various situations. 

“It’s crucial - we want to go to the next level and there are a lot of things we need to do to get there.” 

While the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Matteo Guendouzi could all be shown the door, it’s reported that highly sought-after stars such as Julian Brandt, Max Aarons and Alassane Plea are on the Gunners’ radar. 

The early signing of Bissouma - who is being chased by a string of high-profile clubs - could send a welcome signal that Arsenal are on track to rediscovering their former glories and spearhead a successful 2021/22 campaign.

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