Arsenal, Man United and Milan interested in Boubakary Soumare

Arsenal, Manchester United and AC Milan are interested in signing Boubakary Soumare from Lille this summer, according to French media outlet Foot Mercato. 

The Gunners are clearly in the running for the Frenchman’s signature. They have been following him for a while and like his profile. Manchester United have included him on a long list of targets but he is not their first choice. Milan have had discussions about him recently. Lille have opened the door to his exit in the current transfer window.

Soumare is a Paris Saint Germain academy graduate who left the French champions to sign for Lille in 2017. He has flourished during his time at Lille and established himself as one of the French side’s most important players. He was an integral part of a Lille side that finished fourth in the league last season.

The 21 year old was courted by Juventus in the summer of 2017 before choosing to sign for Lille. Since joining the French club, he has made 70 appearances. He made 30 appearances for Lille in all competitions last season. 

He is a technical, powerful central midfielder who is adept at winning the ball back. He has been earmarked for a call up to the French national team in the near future. He has represented France from the Under 16 level all the way through to the Under 21 level. Soumare is highly rated by Lille and is likely to command a significant fee. 

The young Frenchman has been likened to Paul Pogba and it is a comparison he is more than happy with. Outside of the pitch however, his lifestyle is more similar to that of N’Golo Kante. He keeps a very low profile off the pitch and enjoys spending time with family and friends when he is not playing football.