ARSENAL will look to continue strengthening their squad with the addition of Boubakary Soumare, according to reports.
Boss Mikel Arteta has already raided Lille once as he closes in on the £27million addition of defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Boubakary Soumare is being targetted by Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty – Contributor
Now the Spaniard wants his team-mate Soumare to address the weaknesses in midfield.
According to the Daily Mail, the talented 21-year-old could be available for around £50m.
But the Gunners face serious competition from rivals Manchester United, with Liverpool also linked.
Soumare has become an integral figure in Lille’s midfield since his breakthrough campaign in 2017.
He already turned down a switch to the Premier League when Newcastle came calling in January.
But the prospect of playing for one of England’s big boys will certainly tempt Soumare to make the move.
Arteta has prioritised signing at least two midfielders this summer with Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar targeted.
Both are likely to cost in the region of £45m each so Soumare could be seen as a back-up option if one falls through.
Arsenal have a strong relationship with Lille having also landed Nicolas Pepe from them a year ago.
Soumare’s future was called into question at the weekend when he started their Ligue 1 campaign on the bench in the 1-1 draw with Rennes.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
