ASTON VILLA are reportedly prepared to battle Arsenal for the £50 million rated Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
The midfielder, 25, has 18 months left on his deal with the Seagulls and has a number of clubs keen on him.
Villa allegedly had a £25m offer for the star rejected earlier in the transfer window.
Brighton are believed to be looking for a figure of over £45m for the Mali international.
Several teams appear unwilling to meet that valuation, including both Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Daily Mail reports that Villa also ‘decided against’ making a move for Bissouma before the close of the window yesterday.
Bissouma would have added some defensive reinforcement for Villa in midfield, something boss Steven Gerrard is keen to add to.
Instead Gerrard and his team will reignite their interest during the summer.
BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE AFCON
Bissouma has just featured for Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He arrived on the South Coast from Lille in 2018 and has caught the eye ever since.
The star has played 100 league matches for Brighton.
Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals