‘Phenomenon’: Reported Arsenal target tipped for stardom, his club’s allegedly in financial trouble

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Reported Arsenal target Boubacar Kamara has been deemed a “phenomenon” by former Marseille teammate Rolando, in conversation with RMC Sport.

With the Gunners having had issues in defence this season, Mikel Arteta could well be looking to bolster his back line ranks in the summer, albeit on a limited budget.

In April, French outlet FootMercato linked the Gunners with Kamara, a £28million-rated centre-back likened to Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain ace Thiago Silva (Calciomercato).

The Frenchman’s efforts this season helped Marseille finish second in Ligue 1 and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven years.

Rolando, a Portugal international who watched Kamara rise through the ranks at the Stade Velodrome, is not surprised to see the 20-year-old doing so well.

“This kid is a phenomenon. When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, ‘this little one is going to be a great player’,” he told RMC Sport.

“He’s the kind of central defender that I like. He is full of quality and, above all, he works hard, he listens. It is out of the ordinary.

“I already said to him: ‘In a few years, you will invite me to go see your matches in the French national team and I can say that I played with you when you were 15 years old’.

“I am sure of it. He is very good, in addition to being a good person.”

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Kamara has gone from strength to strength under Andre Villas-Boas this season, making 28 appearances in all competitions for a side which finished second in Ligue 1 this term.

Excellent in the air and on the ball, pacey and strong, and boasting impeccable positioning and timing, he is a wonderful talent which would instantly bolster the Gunners’ back line.

Furthermore, Marseille are under pressure to raise around £100million in order to avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions, according to Le10 Sport, which described their finances as being in a “catastrophic state”.

As a result, Kamara is likely to be sold to raise funds – but with Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea also linked with his services, Arsenal would have to work hard if they truly want him.