Exclusive: Brentford in race to sign Arsene Kouassi
Brentford are ready to battle a host of French clubs to sign Ajaccio sensation Arsene Kouassi this summer, sources have told Football Insider,
Kouassi, 20, has been a revelation for the Ligue 2 club this term in his breakout season and his performances at left-back have brought him onto the radar of the Premier League elite.
Ligue 1 sides Lens, Marseille, Lyon, Monaco, Angers and Lorient are all keen to lure the Burkina Faso international to France’s top flight.
Kouassi’s profile makes an attractive proposition to Brentford and others, with his price tag expected to increase in the future.
Brentford to rival Marseille and Monaco for left-back
The left-back started the 2024-25 campaign as part of Ajaccio’s B team set-up but was quickly fast-tracked to the senior side.
He has made 20 first-team appearances this term, notching three assists with the Corsica-based outfit mid-table in the French second tier.
| Appearances (Starts) | 20 (20) |
| Minutes Played | 1951 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
| Red Cards | 2 |
Kouassi earned his first Burkina Faso call-up last month and is also eligible to play for the Ivory Coast.
The 20-year-old is under contract with Ajaccio until June 2027.
Brentford keeping eye on Ipswich boss McKenna
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (20 April) that Brentford or Fulham could turn to Kieran McKenna if either club lose their managers this summer.
Thomas Frank has been widely linked with Tottenham following his good work with the Bees since joining in 2018.
McKenna remains highly-rated in Premier League circles despite Ipswich’s impending relegation.
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