Transfer Rumors: Midfield Star Prefers To Play For Arsenal Over Manchester United

KEY POINTS

Arsenal is in a comfortable lead to sign Yves Bissouma
Mikel Arteta won't make a move for Bissouma until summer
Brighton's head coach is surprised with the growing interest in Bissouma

Tables have turned for Manchester United and other interested clubs as Arsenal has positioned itself as the favorite to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Several reports claim that the Malian standout sees himself donning the signature Gunners colors rather than playing on the pitch of the legendary Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old joined the Seagulls from French club Lille in 2018, and after leaving a lasting impression all season long, he has turned heads of scouts in the English top-flight.

Despite riding high on four consecutive victories, Arsenal's front office seeks to further strengthen the team's core by acquiring the services of Bissouma, who is already a battle-tested midfielder at a young age.

Though the Gunners could make a move this January transfer window, Football London reports that they have already set a timeline for Bissouma's acquisition this coming summer.

Head coach Mikel Arteta still pins his focus on getting a midfielder who can provide firepower on the field.

Arsenal is expected to be in a neck-and-neck bidding war with rival English Premier League club Manchester United, as well as Liverpool, for the player's commitment.

Arteta and the entire Arsenal management have a reason to relax a bit as Bissouma prefers to represent the Gunners in the next season due to his desire to play side-by-side with Gabriel Magalhaes and Nicolas Pepe.

Surprisingly, Brighton boss Graham Potter is unaware of the fact that his star midfielder has a growing list of suitors in the Premier League. However, this development only made the manager feel delighted as he has a remarkable talent on his roster.

“We have had no interest as far as I am aware,” Potter said per Football London. “He wins a lot of balls back and physically he is in a good place.”

“He makes good decisions, and he has the power, athleticism and technical qualities to deal with the ball. It’s then just the tactical understanding which I think he has developed.”