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Liverpool, Arsenal learn price for midfield ace with lofty ambitions

Reports claim Arsenal and Liverpool will need to part with around £40m if they want to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer.

The duo have both been linked with the Seagulls star who may be angling for an exit in the off-season. The 24-year-old has impressed during a tough season for Graham Potter’s side. They currently sit 17th in the standings but the threat of relegation has now vanished.

Sheffield United, West Brom and Fulham cannot catch them and the south-coast outfit will play in the top flight next term. But it is open to debate whether that will be enough for Bissouma, who has his eyes on a change of club.

And reports suggest he will not be short of suitors, with the Reds and Gunners in line to battle for his services. Earlier this month it was said that Anfield chief Jurgen Klopp was conducting his own research into the Mali international.

Georginio Wijnaldum looks set to quit Anfield and the German tactician is working hard on his replacement.

Bissouma is said to crave Champions League football. Neither of the aforementioned clubs can guarantee that but, of the pair, only Liverpool have a chance of qualifying.

It remains to be seen if that is a deal breaker as a move to Merseyside would clearly be a step up. The African has started 33 of his 34 league appearances this term, notching one goal in the process.

But finding the net is not his forte. The Ivory Coast-born star is a dynamic, defensive midfielder in the mould of Wijnaldum.

And he has certainly caught he eye of both Klopp and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard wants another option to allow Thomas Partey to play further up the pitch next term.

Bissouma won’t come cheap

Other clubs have also been linked to the schemer, with Manchester City and Tottenham mentioned. But it is Liverpool’s name that keeps getting connected with the former Lille star.

Brighton want to keep hold of their prized asset and, according to The Sun, value him at £40m. Money talks in football and they remain realistic about their chances of keeping him at the Amex Stadium.

His price might frighten a few clubs but Chelsea and Leicester City are also thought to be keen. There may well be a bidding war for his services this summer and that will suit Brighton just fine.

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