Manchester City's hopes of signing Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer look to have been handed a boost after he confirmed he wants to leave the Seagulls, which presents Pep Guardiola with a golden opportunity to bring him to the Etihad.

City were linked with the Mali international recently, with the report from the Daily Star suggesting that City had grown frustrated with West Ham's valuation of Declan Rice and will instead look to target Bissouma as they seek a replacement for Fernandinho this summer.

The 36-year-old Brazilian is yet to sign a new contract at the Etihad despite some superb recent displays, so looks set to leave City at the end of the season when his current deal expires.

Therefore, it seems likely that Guardiola will want to add to his options in defensive-midfield, as Rodri is unlikely to play every fixture next season, and Bissouma could definitely prove to be a viable option as he continues to impress with Brighton.

According to Duncan Castles in the Times, the midfielder has asked to leave Brighton ahead of the summer transfer window, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool all said to be interested.

Since joining from LOSC Lille, the £15.3m-rated youngster has gone on to make 93 appearances for the Seagulls, in which he has contributed four goals and one assist, so he can boast plenty of Premier League experience.

In 33 Premier League appearances for Graham Potter's side this season, Bissouma has averaged a very impressive 6.98 rating from WhoScored, which would rank him as the 11th-best performer in Guardiola's side this season, which suggests that he could be a very valuable addition ahead of next season.

With a Fernandinho replacement needed for next season, City's sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely be trying to bring the "exceptional" Bissouma to the Etihad as soon as possible or he risks losing him to one of City's potential title rivals.

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