Bissouma tipped for big-money move away from Brighton by Carragher

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
• 2 min read

Jamie Carragher has fuelled speculation linking Yves Bissouma with a move to Arsenal by claiming he “looks like a top-quality player”.

The Mali international, who has been at Brighton since the summer of 2018, was a standout performer as the Seagulls edged closer to Premier League safety with a draw against Everton on Monday.

While the Gunners have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, they will undoubtedly face competition, and Carragher has urged clubs to take a look at the midfielder.

“The biggest talking point or bright spark from the game was the performance of Bissouma, who was the man of the match but not just the best player on the pitch, the best player by a mile on the pitch, he really was,” the former Liverpool defender said on Sky Sports.

“You looked at him and he really does look like a top-quality player.

“He was excellent at Old Trafford [against Manchester United] for Brighton and he just looked head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch [versus Everton].”

Carragher says that, while Brighton fans won’t thank him, he believes interested parties should monitor Bissouma’s contract situation, with a couple of years running on his deal at the AMEX Stadium.

“He’s been someone a lot of teams have talked about or looked at. I don’t think teams will be looking at him, I think they will be bidding for him at the end of the season,” he continued.

“His contract has got a couple of years to go. I know Brighton fans will be watching and saying, ‘Why are you trying to sell one of our players?’

“He’s got a couple of years to go [on his contract].

“You’re at that stage where you either sign a new contract or Brighton get top dollar for him, and I think you would get top dollar for him, that is the model.”

Would Bissouma suit Arsenal?

Alongside Thomas Partey, Bissouma would undoubtedly add for steel to Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

But the Gunners boss has made no secret of the fact he wants to inject creativity into that area.

While Bissouma has a decent passing range and a superb ability to read the game, his technical qualities may not be up to the standard Arsenal want, but he would certainly be an interesting signing.