Arsenal and Liverpool ‘told to stump up £40m’ to sign in-demand Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma

Brighton have reportedly slapped a £40m price-tag on Yves Bissouma in response to interest in the midfielder from Liverpool and Arsenal.

The 24-year-old has made 33 Premier League starts this season under Graham Potter, whose side have often produced performances far better than their league position would suggest.

Bissouma has been a key part of that, and as a result has attracted attention from clubs looking to bolster their midfield options this summer.

However, according to The Sun, Brighton have warned Liverpool and Arsenal that it will take a bid of at least £40m for them to consider allowing Bissouma to leave the club.

It’s believed that the Seagulls have already started eyeing up potential replacements for the player they signed in 2018, with Reading’s Josh Laurent seen as a potential target.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are on the hunt for a Gini Wijnaldum replacement, who looks likely to leave Anfield this summer, while Mikel Arteta is also hoping to add a midfielder to his squad with Dani Ceballos unlikely to spend a third season in north London. 

Bissouma’s contract runs until 2023 and unless Brighton can persuade him to extend that deal soon, the club risk a situation next summer where they may be forced to sell a player with just 12 months left on his contract.

Speaking last month, Brighton boss Potter made it clear how highly he rates the Mali star and emphasised his belief Bissouma could go to the very top of the game.

Potter said: ‘He always had these incredibly high, top-end actions that are breathtaking. He has certainly improved this season.

‘The really exciting thing for Yves is he can improve some more. He’s not at the top. But he’s got incredible potential and incredible talent. 

‘He’s got the attributes to play midfield in any game in the world.

‘We’re delighted he’s with us. We have to be honest and sensible enough to know that if a player is good enough to play at that level and has that opportunity, then we shouldn’t be scared of that.

‘Clearly there’s a consequence to that in terms of transfer fees, etc etc. That’s out of my control. But it’s not a thing for us to feel negatively about. In a way, it should be a feeling of pride.’