BBC pundit names £30m Arsenal target as potential Wijnaldum replacement at Liverpool

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New York Times journalist, Rory Smith, has told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport that rumoured Arsenal target, Yves Bissouma, could be the one to replace Gini Wjnladum at Liverpool.

The BBC pundit claimed that Wijnaldum left Liverpool because the club needed to start ‘infusing’ their ageing squad with more youth, and as a result, they weren’t willing to meet the Dutchman’s wage demands.

It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool replace their technically gifted and quick-thinking midfielder from within, or another new face comes through the doors.

The Times have reported that both Arsenal and Liverpool are keen on Brighton’s box-to-box powerhouse this summer, with the 24-year-old seemingly valued at £30 million.

And Rory Smith offered an insight into the Wijnaldum call and how not many players can replace his qualities.

“That decision had to be made because Liverpool’s squad is getting older,” said Smith.”There are a few who are 28, 29 and 30. They will be thinking about managing the transition into infusing it with a bit more youth.

“But they need a couple more players in the 23-24-year-old bracket and I think that’s why they have decided that they couldn’t meet whatever Wijandlum’s contract demands were, in terms of money or length of the contract.

“Someone like Yves Bissouma at Brighton is the sort of player they will go for. But there’s not many out there who have that same skill set as Wijnaldum. Defensively and offensively.”

Despite Liverpool’s struggles during the recently concluded campaign, someone like Curtis Jones has shown immense quality during difficult periods for the club.

He could be someone to fill the heavy shoes of Wijnaldum, as could Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who simply hasn’t been able to cut it on Merseyside.

Naby Keita is another individual whose engine hasn’t got going yet, with both him and the Ox suffering injury problems during their time at the club.

But Bissouma is a player worth punting for, with the Brighton man showcasing a sense of calmness to his game, ability to sense danger defensively and making those right calls.