The transfer window closes tomorrow, and Arsenal are still working hard. After weeks of rumours surrounding both Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar, it looks like neither midfielder will be heading to the Emirates, bar a late surprise. However, another midfielder has been linked, and it’s Lille’s Boubakary Soumaré (21 years old).

Soumaré has been left out of Lille’s squad this weekend and according to French source La Voix Du Nord (considered reliable), he could be on his way to Arsenal or Napoli. If this report is true, it would put Arsenal in a good position given that Napoli have almost sealed the loan signing of Bakayoko, who plays a similar defensive role in midfield, from Chelsea. According to the report, negotiations for Soumaré advanced yesterday.

The Frenchman has been featuring for Lille’s first team since the age of 17 and has established himself as a midfield powerhouse with his physical presence (standing at 6′ 2″). He has attracted attention from England ever since, with many comparing him to Ndombele and even Paul Pogba. In October last year, Lille’s president said:

“He’s one of the very best at his job. He’s technical, with incredible physical power and wins a great deal of possession. He’s a modern No.6 or 8. We’ll see him in the France team very soon. He’s a clear vision of where he wants to go and he’s working very hard to get there. He dominated Ndombele last season. And Ndombele is not just anyone, since he signed for Spurs. Bouba will also go to a big club.”

Gerard Lopez to La Voix du Nord, October 2019

Arsenal fans have reacted positively to the news, with the majority (who have watched him) agreeing that he is a promising talent. In fact, some have been keeping their eye on this one for a while now:

Meanwhile, Mustafi, Guendouzi, Chambers, Kolasinac and more continue to be linked with exits.

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