According to a recent report from Sky Sports, Arsenal are one of many big European clubs that are on the prowl for Lille’s young rising star, Boubakary Soumare.
Alongside the Gunners, fellow Premier League giants such as Manchester United and Chelsea are monitoring the situation but the same source also mentions that Real Madrid and Valencia are intrigued as well.
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But just who exactly is this prodigy who’s gathering interest from all around Europe, and what could he possibly offer to Mikel Arteta’s squad?
To answer those questions, we sought the opinions of those who know him best…
Gerard Lopez, Lille president
Lille’s current president, Gerard Lopez, has lauded the 20-year-old defensive midfielder’s immense quality despite his young age.
He emphasised the youngster’s technical ability as well as the physical predispositions that make him extremely powerful and overall a well-rounded player.
Here’s what he said to Voix du Nord in October, as quoted by Goal:
“He’s one of the very best at his job. He’s technical, with incredible physical power and wins a great deal of possession. He’s a modern No.6 or 8. We’ll see him in the France team very soon.
“He’s a clear vision of where he wants to go and he’s working very hard to get there.
“He dominated Ndombele last season. And Ndombele is not just anyone, since he signed for Spurs. Bouba will also go to a big club.”
Marc Ingla, Lille CEO
But Lopez hasn’t been the only one to drool over Soumare’s ability.
Ingla, their CEO, also echoed the president’s words, stating that the 20-year-old is indeed powerful and great on the ball, but also emphasised that he is extremely versatile in his approach.
It has to be noted that the player was 18 at that time.
Here’s what he said after Soumare signed a three-year contract with Lille, as quoted by Sky Sports:
“We are very happy with the signing of ‘Bouba’.
“He is a powerful and technical player who can evolve to several positions in the field. His maturity pleased us even if we must not forget that he is only 18 years old.”
Sylvain Ripoll, France U21 manager
Ripoll has seen Soumare’s talent up close and and has been working with him for a couple of years.
When describing his technique and adaptability, the France U21 coach labelled the 20-year-old a complete player and also heaped praise on his confidence and maturity.
That mentality could be key for his potential transition to Arsenal.
Here’s what he said, as quoted by Goal:
“I’ve been with him for two years and he’s already a very complete player.
“He’s also got this capacity to adapt because ‘Bouba’ can play in a two or three-man midfield. And he’s increasing in confidence and maturity all the time.”
Verdict
Soumare definitely looks like a future superstar in many people’s eyes.
At the age of 20, he is already looking like a top prospect and should only get better with time.
Needless to say, Arsenal landing his signature would be absolutely huge.