Arsenal tipped to hand European rivals huge profit as interest in £5m star increases

Arsenal have reportedly joined a ‘long-list’ of clubs currently watching 18-year-old Hammarby star Bazoumana Toure. The winger has been exceptionally impressive for the Swedish club since joining from Ivory Coast club ASEC Mimosas in March.

His performances have quickly caught the attention of several clubs across Europe, with Arsenal now expected to face competition for his signature from Manchester United and Brighton.

According to the Mirror, the winger is valued at around £5 million but with his ability to play on either flank, and having already scored six goals and contributed three assists this season, his asking price is likely to increase significantly.

The Ivory Coast footballer is represented by Unique Sports Group, whose top clients include England internationals Anthony Gordon, Marc Guehi and Reece James, which is set to put him in excellent stead if he opts to make the move to the Premier League.

Last Thursday, Hammarby beat Hacken 2-0 with Toure contributing an assist before being substituted at half-time. The report adds that Arsenal, Man United, Brighton and Wolves all had scouts in attendance watching the youngster in action, and Hammarby’s sporting director Mikael Hjelmberg admitted that his club will soon have to plan for life without their Ivorian sensation.

Speaking earlier this week, Hjelmberg said: “There are a lot of clubs coming to the match against Hacken. We need to plan for a future without him. Then if it happens this winter, next summer or even further than that - I don’t think so, we’ll see. But the longer we get to keep him the better.”

Toure was bought for around £370,000 earlier this year but is now set to give his Swedish side a huge profit as his suitors eye a potential move.

With Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and now Raheem Sterling all at the Emirates, the necessity for a new winger does not seem urgent for the Gunners. However, with Sterling’s contract only set to last a year, Mikel Arteta may wish for Toure’s arrival to come in preparation for Sterling’s departure next summer.

They will, however, have to fend off familiar and strong competition with one of their domestic rivals having plenty of recent experience in recruiting from the Scandinavian leagues.

Brighton’s interest in Toure comes after welcoming the likes of Yasin Ayari from ALK and Ibrahim Osman from FC Nordsjaelland in January 2023 and January 2024 respectively.