Report: Arsenal want Boubakary Soumare; face AC Milan competition

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Gabriel Magalhaes is not the only Lille player Arsenal have had their eye on this summer, with Foot Mercato reporting that the Gunners are also interested in Boubakary Soumare.

Gabriel looks set to become Mikel Arteta’s latest signing during this window. The Daily Mail reports that the defender is on his way to London ahead of a £27 million switch.

And it appears that the Gunners could also have their eye on one of his teammates.

According to Foot Mercato, Arsenal are keen on Soumare having tracked the 21-year-old for some time. It is suggested that Manchester United and AC Milan are also interested in Soumare.

It remains to be seen what Lille’s stance on the youngster’s future is. But it would be no surprise if they demand an eye-watering sum for the France under-21 international.

As noted by The Sun, Soumare snubbed a £35 million move to Newcastle United during the January transfer window.

Soumare has the potential to be an outstanding signing for Arsenal this summer. He was predominantly used as a holding midfielder last season, but seems to be most comfortable playing a box-to-box role.

He is a superb passer of the ball who can also provide protection to the backline.

Arteta surely faces a tough task trying to sign Soumare if he is working with a modest budget this summer. But perhaps he is the kind of player that the Gunners should seriously consider breaking the bank for.