Malian star Bissouma mocked Arsenal, the team he could be joining soon

Two years ago, Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma laughed in Gunners' faces when the London team failed to beat the Seagulls and missed out on a Champions League place. Now, he's a transfer target for Mikel Arteta's team. To make things even more intriguing, Bissouma is a lifelong Arsenal supporter.

The Seagulls star roared his head off following a 1-1 draw against Unai Emery's side, which all-but-ended the Gunners' chances of playing Champions League football the following season - something the north London side can only dream about now.

Mikel Arteta's side is reportedly interested in signing the $55million-rated midfielder along with Liverpool, as Arsenal plot a summer spending spree as they face a season without top European football for the first time in 25 years. The man who once mocked Arsenal's inability to reach their goals, Bissouma could be the player to spark a revival in the red half of north London after hitting rock-bottom under Arteta this season.

Arsenal may face a crucial summer regarding their midfielders, with Dani Ceballos' loan spell from Real Madrid coming to an end, Granit Xhaka reportedly seeking a move away from the club, and Mohamed Elneny having just a year left on his contract. Should the trio depart this summer to raise funds and free up squad space, that would only leave last summer's marquee signing Thomas Partey and Joe Willock as their holding central midfielders at the club.

Arsenal without European Football for the first time in 25 years

The statistics show why Bissouma has reportedly been identified as the man to fix Arsenal's midfield conundrum - the Mali international's defensive stats are vastly superior to those of Xhaka - who has been a controversial figure at the Gunners over the past five years.

Bissouma outranks the Swiss international captain in his recoveries, interceptions, tackles and overall duels won. The Brighton star's numbers are similar to Thomas Partey's - who was playing Champions League football at Atletico Madrid a year ago.

Before joining Brighton, Bissouma made his name at Lille, where he played under Marcelo Bielsa, albeit as a right back. But the intensity the Malian shows means it is no surprise that the iconic Argentine coach picked Bissouma regularly in defence.

It's why the man himself believes he is similar to Yaya Toure, known as one of the best all-round midfielders in Premier League history. After missing out on European football for the first time in 25 years, Arsenal could use a player like the legendary Yaya. And Yves could prove the next best thing.