#16 - Aston Villa interested in Yves Bissouma

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Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs for the past season and a half, with Aston Villa becoming the latest to join the race for the Malian's signature. 


Writer for Birmingham Live John Townley, said: "The holding role is a vital component in Gerrard's 4-3-3 system and a signing of Bissouma's quality could arguably be a more important capture than that of Coutinho.

"But at a reported £40 million, it is unlikely Gerrard will get his man this month."

The 25-year-olds contract expires in 18 months, but is still expected to cost around the £40 million mark as Brighton aren't willing to lose one of their key players. 

Brighton manager Graham Potter spoke on the matter in a press conference on Thursday morning stating: "I expect to keep all my players during this window."

AVFC News writer, statistician and Claret & Blue podcast contributor Pat Rowe said: "Bissouma is the exact type of player we need due to the injury of Nakamba, but I'm unsure how likely it'd be."

Bissouma, who is currently away at the African Cup of Nations with Mali, has been linked to several Premier League clubs throughout the past few seasons such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, after impressing since his move to England from Lille in 2018.

"We might be better off looking abroad for the defensive midfielder, in players such as Boubacar Kamara who is available for around £10 million."

Kamara is a 22-year-old Frenchman who is currently linked with a move away from boyhood club  Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1, with Manchester United reportedly being extremely interested in the defensive midfielder. 

After securing the signing of Lucas Digne from Everton earlier in the week to bolster their options at left-back, Villa Podcast contributor Andrew Jerina is impressed with the ambition shown by Gerrard and the owners: "I like that we moved quickly to get both Coutinho and Digne over the line.

"Although Bissouma is a great player and exactly what we need right now, I'd actually want to see our scouts step up and find the next Bissouma, instead of paying a figure like £50 million." 

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