HE could be another one that got away from the Gunners.
Reports suggest that PSG wonderkid Tanguy Kouassi, who announced his intentions to leave the French champions at the end of his contract in June, has signed a pre-contract with Bayern Munich.
Tanguy Kouassi is set to say au revoir to PSGCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Last week, Arsenal were said to be monitoring the towering defender, who can also play in midfield, called the ‘Next Desailly.’
This season the 18-year-old has broken into Thomas Tuchel’s side, and was seen as a ready-made replacement for veteran Brazilian Thiago Silva, who is leaving the club.
Here’s why Bayern are said to have moved fast.
JOINED PSG AT 14
Kouassi was destined for a career in football from a young age.
He began playing for FC Épinay Athlético when he was just six and rose through the ranks of US Sénart-Moissy – the same youth side that primed Kingsley Coman.
From there he moved to Pays de Fontainebleau RC, until PSG discovered his early promise at 14.
Because of his size and ability, Kouassi was drafted into PSG’s U17 team at 15 and their U19’s a year later.
Kouassi has been labelled the ‘Next Desailly’Credit: Icon Sport – Getty
Standing at 6ft 2in, Kouassi is a towering presence on the pitchCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
METEORIC RISE
Kouassi’s performances at youth level for his club translated to the national team.
Although he is still eligible to play for Ivory Coast through his parents, he has worn the blue and white of France with pride.
At last year’s U17 European Championships, he led Les Bleus to the semi-finals.
He followed that up with a commanding turn at the U17 World Cup, where France placed third.
‘THE NEW DESAIILY’
Standing at 6ft 2in, Kouassi is an intimidating presence on the pitch.
The French media have compared his style of play to legendary Chelsea star Marcel Desailly.
And it’s easy to see why, given his attributes. He is as comfortable playing at the back as he is in midfield.
“Playing centrally is a point of reference for me. Since the winter break the coach has used me in midfield,” Kouassi revealed about his versatility.
Like Desailly, Kouassi is able to play at the back or in midfieldCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
Kouassi starred for Les Bleus at the U17 European ChampionshipsCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
“I don’t mind playing in both positions, even if it’s not easy. I make it work.”
In defence, he can play like an old-fashioned centre back and rely on his height and spring to win an aerial battle against an imposing centre forward.
While his anticipation allows him to read the game well and not have to lean on his athletic physique to recover from a mistake.
THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT
With a move to Bayern Munich expected, Kouassi leaves PSG with fantastic memories.
He’s already etched his name into the record books for the Ligue 1 side in the 13 games he appeared for them.
First, he became PSG’s youngest ever player to feature in the Champions League when he appeared against Galatasaray at the age of 17 years, six months and five days old.
Kouassi appeared 13 times for PSGCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
It appears that Kouassi is destined for Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Then, he scored the club’s landmark 4,000th goal in their 50-year history in a 3-0 semi-final win over Stade de Reims in the Coupe de la Ligue.
PSG defender Abdou Diallo was full of praise of Kouassi, when he arrived from Borussia Dortmund in a £30million deal.
He said: “There were some players I knew before because they had a very high level, but if you want to talk about surprises then it’s young Kouassi who really makes an impression!”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
