Arsenal are one of the clubs enquiring after Lille defensive midfielder Boubakary Soumare, according to reports.

Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian (L) vies with Lille's French midfielder Boubakary Soumare (R) during the UEFA Champion's League Group H football match between Chelsea and Lille at Stamford Bridge in London on December 10, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Willian (L) vies with Lille’s French midfielder Boubakary Soumare (R) during the UEFA Champion’s League Group H football match between Chelsea and Lille at Stamford Bridge in London on December 10, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)

Bleacher Report claim a source suggested to them that Arsenal are among the clubs making enquiries over Soumare this month. There is a ‘belief’ that the Gunners will strengthen in midfield this month.

Soumare is impressing a lot in Ligue 1 at the moment. His blend of technical ability and physicality make him an attractive option for plenty of midfield recruiters. He’s a regular in the Lille side this season, making 23 appearances.

For now, links to other English clubs appear more concrete. Wolves tried to sign him in the summer and could try again. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly after the player with two-and-a-half years left on his current contract.

Whilst he was still with PSG, Soumare actually played against the Arsenal youth teams a couple of times. He featured in two draws with the u19s in the UEFA Youth League. Maybe he’ll end up back in North London in the future.

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BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Kaylen Hinds of Arsenal takes on Boubakary Soumare and Theo Epailly of PSG. UEFA Youth League match at Meadow Park on November 23, 2016, in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by David Price / Arsenal FC via Getty Images)