Gossip: Villa want Bissouma as Arsenal target Brazilian
Brighton are braced for another approach from Villa for Yves Bissouma, who could replace an Arsenal target in Steven Gerrard’s midfield…
VILLA TO GO AGAIN FOR BISSOUMA
Steven Gerrard is still intent on strengthening his engine room…
The Aston Villa boss was active in the January market, recruiting Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne. There was talk of interest in a central midfielder, and that would appear to be the area he is prioritising ahead of the summer.
Villa were credited with an interest in Yves Bissouma, and that remains the case. The Athletic reckons Brighton are bracing themselves for another approach for the Malian at the end of the season, with Bissouma valued at around £35million. At that price, Villa can expect competition.
Ranking PL teams by free transfer losses this summer
ARSENAL AMONG BRAZILIAN’S SUITORS
Arsenal were said to be among the clubs interested in Bissouma, but it seems they have turned their attention to one of Villa’s current midfielders…
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are readying a move for Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian was the subject of three bids last month, but Villa may be forced into a sale if he cannot be tempted to renew his contract which will have only a season to run come the summer.
BARCA OPEN TO DEPAY DEPARTURE
Memphis Depay will also be entering the final year of his contract and it looks like the Holland star will be on the move again.
Depay has struggled once more after a big move, with Barcelona reported by Sport to prefer other attacking options, especially after adding Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to their squad in January.
The 27-year-old signed only a two-year deal when he signed for Barca last summer from Lyon. Eight goals and two assists in 16 La Liga appearances doesn’t seem a bad return but the Catalans want to make a few euros on the Man Utd flop.
TOON TO MISS OUT ON BOTMAN AGAIN?
Sven Botman looks set to be one of the most in-demand defenders this summer after Lille refused to sell the centre-back in January.
It will be a different story at the end of the season, with Newcastle among the clubs set to move for the 21-year-old.
But the link with AC Milan seems to be gathering pace. Calciomercato says a meeting between the Italian club and Botman’s agents is imminent, with the Dutchman’s representatives spotted at AC Milan’s win over Lazio on Wednesday night.
