Arsenal to respond to Europa League failure by bolstering midfield

Arsenal’s season is all but over after they were knocked out of the Europa League by former manager Unai Emery’s Villarreal side. 

Mikel Arteta’s side went into the second leg trailing the Yellow Submarine’s 2-1 on aggregate, however a 1-0 victory at the Emirates would have taken the Gunners through to the final in Gdansk on away goals.

Aside from Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang hitting the post with a header in the latter stages, Arsenal barely threatened Emery’s side, who managed to secure the clean sheet and a 0-0 draw to progress to the final where they will face Manchester United.

A spikey and frustrated Arteta insisted he is still the man to turn the North Londoner’s fortunes around despite the fact Arsenal are facing a first season without European football for over 25 years.

According to the Express, Arteta is allegedly set to start by overhauling the midfield by signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Bissouma has been the heartbeat of the Brighton midfield.

It is believed the Gunners are leading the race to sign the 24-year-old, and it is reported he will cost around £40 million if he is to leave the Amex Stadium.

Bissouma has enjoyed a very productive season under Graham Potter and he is also a target for the likes of Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Mali international is pivotal to Brighton’s free flowing, passing philosophy and is very adept at receiving the ball under pressure as well as using his intelligence and quick thinking to move the ball through the lines at pace.

Arsenal bought Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window before the start of this season, but Bissouma’s possible addition could likely see the two partner each other in what would be an exciting midfield.