Yves Bissouma has told Brighton he wants to leave in the summer – and there are six Premier League clubs in contention to sign him, a report has revealed.
Brighton have been aware that they may lose Bissouma for some time. The former Lille star has become one of the best midfielders outside the traditional top six of the Premier League. As such, it has been a battle for Brighton to keep him.
They have managed to ward off some suitors in the past. But their efforts seem to be reaching a conclusion they have been dreading.
According to 90min, the Mali international has now made it clear to the club that he is considering a future elsewhere. And with a contract expiring in 2023, the Seagulls may be forced to listen to his wishes.
If they do not sell him this summer, he could walk away as a free agent by the end of next season. The only other way for Brighton to avoid that would be extending his contract, which they are trying to do but without success.
Instead, Bissouma is now eyeing the next step in his career. And 90min have revealed there are six English clubs considering him as a potential target.
At the front of the queue are Aston Villa and Arsenal, who tried to sign him in January 2022 and summer 2021 respectively.
In addition, the 25-year-old has been watched by Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Leicester City.
Therefore, he has a chance of stepping back up to European level, after previously making one Europa League appearance for Lille. Liverpool will be able to offer him Champions League football barring a catastrophe, while Arsenal have a good chance too.
Alternatively, he could end up in the Europa League with Man Utd unless they can break into the top four. Villa, Leicester and Newcastle are less likely to be in Europe next season, but all have their own ambitions for the future. They should be closer to that territory than Brighton.
Abroad, Bissouma is attracting interest from Monaco as a potential replacement for Aurelien Tchouameni.
Brighton will have to mull over any offers that come their way. They will only do business on their terms but are softening their stance when it comes to keeping Bissouma.
The Ivorian-born star has made 118 appearances since signing for the club in 2018. His time on the South Coast may be coming to a conclusion, though.
There are no details of the kind of asking price Brighton may have for Bissouma. They spent more than £15m to take him four years ago.
His stock has likely risen since then. But the lack of time left on his contract may work against them on the flipside.
READ MORE: Aston Villa could sacrifice 2021 signing, as needy Prem rivals Brighton prepare summer bid
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