Yves Bissouma is a wanted man across Europe, and his current club does not represent his value. With several clubs in the hunt for his signature, Bissouma has ruled out a few of them from his list of preferred destinations. His neck has been turned in onection, and it is difficult to turn it otherwise.
Clubs with heritage have always had an appeal for most players. They have a pull on them because they are usually some of the biggest clubs around. Every player wants to play at the biggest clubs and in the biggest competitions.
Not many clubs these days have that kind of pull on players.
Arsenal were guaranteed neck turners, but times have changed, and the club finds itself in a pool where it needs to extricate itself.
The reputation of Arsenal is battered and is witnessing a loll in its rebuilding process. It means they are only able to turn the necks of a category of players.
Bissouma wants Champions League football
On Sunday afternoon, Yves Bissouma showed why he is hot property as he was a bright star for Brighton in their 2-1 win over Leicester City.
His recent past is full of speculation over his future, and his current performance levels will only heighten the interest from various quarters.
Bissouma has a dream, and it is to play in Europe's premier club competition. While speaking to the Brighton website as quoted by The Mirror, the player confessed he wants to play in the UEFA Champions League, but he is currently satisfied with life at Brighton.
This admission effectively knocks Arsenal out of the running for the Malian.
Other clubs interested in Bissouma
Yves Bissouma's performances have ensured that he is not short of suitors.
Bissouma's name was thrown in the ring as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, following his departure from Liverpool.
Manchester United were also interested in bringing him to Old Trafford. The midfielder also attracted interest from Tottenham and Arsenal, as earlier mentioned.
Arsenal out of the running
The Malian's statement about his desire to play in the Champions League effectively knocks Arsenal out of the running for the Malian.
The absence of the London club from the competition has given Liverpool and Manchester United a head start in the hunt for the player. Arsenal are also not helped by the declaration of their academy chief Per Mertesacker when he recently admitted that the Gunners were still two-three years away from Europe's premier club competition.
Arsenal, however, hopes that former teammate Ben White could be a lure for the midfielder.
Bissouma played 36 Premier League matches for Brighton last season and has already featured in all five this season.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
