The dynamic midfielder has reportedly attracted the attention of Manchester United and Arsenal after starring for Everton.
After watching on in awe as N’Golo Kante (probably) inspires Chelsea to the Premier League title, it’s only natural that Manchester United and Arsenal would embark upon a search for their own tireless midfield dynamo.
And, according to the Liverpool Echo, that has lead the two sides slipping adrift of the top four to Everton’s ground-eating scrapper Idrissa Gana Gueye. And why not?
The Senegalese midfielder has averaged a remarkable 4.5 tackles per game for Everton in the Premier League this season, far more than any other player, while only that man Kante managed more challenges and interceptions combined than Gueye in 2015/16. Just a reminder – Gueye had the disadvantage of being mired in a miserable Aston Villa team last season.
It’s logical to suggest that Gueye is the player Arsenal have been screaming out for since the energy and tenacity of Gilberto Silva was replaced by a series of technically gifted yet lightweight playmakers.
However, according to the Liverpool Echo, Arsenal may be shot down in a battle with Manchester United for the former Lille enforcer’s signature.
“Of course, it’s a thrill to face the big teams like Manchester United,” Gueye said when asked if he had one day hoped of donning the famous red. “Obviously [dreaming of playing for United] is something I said at the time.”
Manchester United, like Arsenal, lack a designated defensive midfielder and Gueye’s addition would add some much needed protection to a shaky back four, while also giving the likes of Paul Pogba to licence to roam to his heart’s content.
Yet, with the futures of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley already uncertain, Everton could really do without Gueye angling for a move away in the summer too.
Though, if Manchester United do come calling, don’t expect him to immediately turn his back on a long-standing ambition.
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