26 Aug 2020 11:10:00
Hi Eds, any truth in the rumours that Arsenal are interested in Boubakary Soumare, also of Lille, as an alternative to Partey? He's been linked with everyone at one point or another, so hard to tell if there's any substance to it, certainly looks a good player.

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Boubakary Soumare (DM/CM) - Soumare is being touted around the clubs that have money to spend and several have spoken with Lille but want the €60M asking price reduced. His "agent" (and I use the term loosely) says the player has no interest in joining Spurs or Arsenal but his client is the ideal replacement for Pogba or Kante and is attracted by the money available to players in England. Valencia, Real Madrid and Napoli are others who have been looking at him on a regular basis - but price is an issue. Until the summer Manchester City had an interest since he was at PSG and it was suggested he could fill the role of Yaya Toure well. Monaco saw him as a Bakayoko replacement but have stepped back. Watford pressed Lille last summer but they would not sell and, like Valencia and Real Madrid can be discounted. Brands wanted him at Everton but was forced down the Gbamin route by an advisor - they are looking at another player in preference now. Liverpool were also approached and have discussed the price with his agent. Newcastle and Leicester - and Newcastle were close to a deal in January and may push before the summer to reach an agreement with Lille. There is also an issue to be addressed with Lille's FFP punishment that could impact what happens.}

1.) 26 Aug 2020
26 Aug 2020 12:49:03
Surprised he would be interested in a move to Newcastle and not Arsenal. Could end up anywhere by the looks of it.

Thanks for the response Ed.

{Ed002's Note - Newcastle had lengthy discussions with him in January.}