Arsenal are one of the teams interested in Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, according to reports in the English media. Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Valencia have also been linked with a move for the 20-year-old.
The Gunners are likely to be looking at the France Under 21 international if Granit Xhaka does leave the Emirates, although it has been claimed in recent days that the Swiss midfielder has been persuaded to stay by Mikel Arteta until the end of the season.
In any case, supporters on Twitter would back a move for Soumare:
@Arsenal Soumare would be amazing signing!!
— Ahmad (@ahmadtayob) January 6, 2020
Arsenal ain't signing anyone unless it's a free or on loan ffs ???
— Culture FC (@united4lyfee) January 6, 2020
We need Soumare even if Xhaka stays
— INVINCEARSENAL (@INVINCEARSENAL) January 7, 2020
Boubakary Soumare is just what we need
— Sulite☆ (@sulitenoluv) January 7, 2020
Soumare I beg
— archie ? (@PepesPlan) January 7, 2020
I probably think Arsenal may not sign anyone in January. But I hope we get a CB atleast.
— Gooner (@Rahul17102017) January 7, 2020
@Arsenal are interested on so many players… lol
— Mika (@07Mickael) January 7, 2020
I think we should sign Boubakary Soumare to boost that squad for next season or make steps towards actually winning the EL..
— Chengek.Chestit (@CClennox) January 7, 2020
Soumaré is a player you sign regardless of what happens with xhaka. Absolute beast of a player and still so young. Him & upamecano would be game changing signings
— Eddie (@edandadie) January 7, 2020
It is believed that Lille are keen on offloading the Frenchman this month, which is likely to be too soon for Arsenal, who are not looking to spend a great deal of money during the current transfer window.
A centre-back is said to be a priority with Jerome Boateng and Dayot Upamecano having been linked in recent days.