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Arsenal could beat Villa to Bissouma deal after £40m update - pundit
Kevin Campbell has urged Arsenal to rival Aston Villa for the signature of Brighton’s Yves Bissouma this month.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker said the 25-year-old would make Mikel Arteta’s side “so much stronger” in the second half of the season.
According to The Telegraph‘s Sam Wallace (12 January), Villa are interested in signing the £40million centre-midfielder.
Bissouma has entered the final 18 months of his contract with the Seagulls.
The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for the Mali international in the summer but a move failed to materialise.
Campbell wants the London club to meet Brighton’s valuation for the player this month.
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“Don’t mess around Arsenal,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“This is a move that has been spoken about for 18 months and I think we will do it. Just do the deal. Go and get him in. Pay the £40million.
“I think Arsenal need two midfielders though, if I am honest with you.
“Lokonga is a good young player but he is not strong enough to be a mainstay in that midfield yet. We need some experience in there.
“Bissouma is young and has experience. I think they need another one as well though. Bissouma would make us so much stronger for the second half of the season.”
Bissouma has made 15 appearances across all competitions this season.
He is currently at the African Cup of Nations with Mali.
In other news, a pundit has predicted Arsenal could be about to splash the cash on a “frightening” £50million defender .